Deacon Timothy Dolan
Director

Office of Social Concerns

Description of Office
The Office of Social Concerns assists in the formation and development of area/parish social concerns committees; promotes Catholic social teaching, works of mercy, advocacy and action for justice, and pro-life activity; assists area/parishes in their efforts to strengthen Christian marriage and family life; promotes preparation for marriage, marriage enrichment, and family spirituality; and provides referrals to programs like Natural Family Planning, Marriage Encounter, and Retrouvaille.

Social Concerns Committee Members:
Paul Hayden; Jim Hubley; Fr. Jeff Horejsi; Eileen Wallace; Sr. Donna Wermus, SSND.

Marriage Preparation

Common Procedure for Marriage Preparation in the Catholic Dioceses in Minnesota

Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program:
The Marriage Preparation Program is a full-day Saturday program conducted with the help of married couples, at the Education Center of St. Aloysius Church in Olivia. It is designed specifically for engaged couples and is an opportunity for them to explore and strengthen their relationship. The program complements preparation efforts at the parish level and addresses key aspects of married life: commitment and sacramental marriage, communication—including intimacy and sexuality issues, conflict—including gender/personality issues and addictions, children—including Natural Family Planning and parenting, career—including financial planning and work/leisure issues, and church—including interchurch, interfaith, and spirituality issues.

2013 Marriage Preparation Program Dates:

September 7

Marriage Preparation Registration Form

For further information contact: Catholic Pastoral Center, Family Life Office, 1400 6th St. N., New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.

Remarriage Preparation

The Remarriage Preparation Program is designed for couples in these situations: one or both are divorced and the annulment process has been completed; one or both are widowed or already in a second marriage and desire to have their marriage validated in the Church. In addition to topics covered in the regular marriage preparation program, the remarriage preparation program considers topics such as step-parenting and blending families, relating with a partner's former spouse and in-laws, and grieving issues related to divorce or death of a former spouse. The program is conducted at St. John's Church in Hector.

2013 Remarriage Preparation Program Dates:

August 24

Remarriage Preparation Registration Form

For further information contact: Catholic Pastoral Center, Family Life Office, 1400 6th St. N., New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.

Other Programs

Marriage Encounter

A program for married couples who want to strengthen their marriage. For more information about program dates in Minnesota and the Dakotas, visit www.wwmesection8.org/cgi-bin/wwme-eekends.cgi

or call 507-644-3523  for regional opportunities.

Retrouvaille
A program for couples considering separation or divorce. To find a Retrouvaille Program in your area, visit

www.retrouvaille.org/dates/php or call 1-800-470-2230.

Resources

List of resources

• Documents, Web sites, and other information on social concerns, Catholic social teaching, marriage and the family, and pro-life issues.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Offices and Initiatives

For Your Marriage

• An initiative of the USCCB

Marriage: Unique for a Reason

• An initiative of the USCCB

USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth

USCCB Pro-Life Activities

USCCB Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development

Other Resources

Minnesota Catholic Conference

Catholic Charities USA