Engagement, Marriage, and Family Resources
Find external resources for engagement, marriages, and families.
Diocesan ministries and resources can be found on the Marriage and Family Ministry Web Page.
Dating, Discernment, & Engagement
Resources for engagement can be found at diocesefwsb.org/marriage-preparation
Married Couples
Catholic Charities Counseling – ccfwsb.org/counseling
Many parish priests in our diocese tell us that their greatest need is for trustworthy professional counselors to whom they can refer parishioners, school children, and families. Without these vital services, a marriage might end in divorce or a student might face expulsion from school.
Third Option – thirdoptionfw.wordpress.com
Aims to build better marriages by promoting growth and reconciliation. Each session in the 14-session cycle covers a comprehensive set of tools that couples can use to develop better levels of understanding, conflict-resolution, and trust while also learning more effective communication skills. Although this is not a counseling program, the Third Option provides a confidential peer-to-peer ministry in which couples can learn from trained volunteers who have overcome marital difficulties themselves.
Retrouvaille – helpourmarriage.org
Is an independent, Catholic program designed to help, heal and renew married couples who are drifting or who have drifted apart. The word “retrouvaille” simply means “rediscovery.” The Retrouvaille program offers you the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse and a loving relationship in your marriage.
Enriching Your Marriage (For Your Marriage) – foryourmarriage.org/married-life/enriching-your-marriage
Every relationship needs attention and care to thrive, and marriage is no different. Couples sometimes run on autopilot for months or even years, caught up in the daily tasks of creating a home together, working, caring for children, and serving others. The good news is that there are a million and one ways to nurture your relationship: intentional couple-time, learning more about your mission as a married couple, growing in communication skills, etc. No effort is wasted; your love is worth investing in! Find resources at For Your Marriage.
Better Together – Dynamic Catholic
Free resources from Dynamic Catholic, including a marital inventory, weekly emails, and video series with couple’s guides.
RECLAIM: God’s Plan for Sexual Health – reclaimsexualhealth.com
An anonymous, online Catholic recovery program from pornography, masturbation and other sexual compulsions, based on brain science and the theology of the body. Visit their website at reclaimsexualhealth.com
Catholics in Recovery – catholicinrecovery.com
A ministry offering hope and healing for those recovering from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, and for their loved ones. Members meet regularly at Our Lady of Good Hope, Fort Wayne; contact [email protected] for latest updates. Virtual meetings are also available.
Physicians providing NaProTechnology in the Diocese
Hope for the Journey
Hope for the Journey is a ministry of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend that offers spiritual, emotional and practical support rooted in the Catholic faith for couples who are experiencing infertility or secondary infertility.
Support for Parents and Grandparents
The Messy Family Guide to Technology from the Messy Family Project – link
Free resource from the Messy Family Project to help you take a family inventory, create a plan with your spouse, and learn how to teach your kids to use technology with virtue.
Raising a Family in the Digital Age: A Technology Guide for Parents – https://eppc.org/parentsguide/
This guide for parents and other adults working with and mentoring children (such as pastors, teachers, coaches, etc.) offers both suggestions on boundaries to put in place around technology and how to have conversations with children about developing healthy habits with technology.
Catholic Charities Adoption Planning – ccfwsb.org/service/helping-save-lives#prolife
Is a licensed child placing agency in the state of Indiana. Additionally, we are experts in providing pro-life professional counseling as well as helping parents who chose adoption as an option design their plan and guide them through a legal adoption process.
Adoption: Prayer and Educational Resources | USCCB
Adoption and Foster Care – For Your Marriage
The Many Dimensions of Openness to Life – For Your Marriage
Beginning & End of Life Considerations
A Catholic Guide to an Advanced Directive – view here.
This document, produced by the Indiana Catholic Conference and approved by the Indiana Bishops, provides information on the Catholic Church’s teaching, and advance directives
Looking for Help With…
Catholics for Family Peace – catholicsforfamilypeace.org
Provides resources, education, research, and prayers for families, clergy, and lay leaders.
Surviving Divorce Program – Link
Features twelve video presentations that cover topics such as shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage. This program is for the newly separated and divorced and for those still struggling with issues many years later. It is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church and is open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel, and clarity after divorce.
Many diocesan parishes also offer independent support groups; visit Divorce Ministry – The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (diocesefwsb.org) for more information.
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Tribunal & Marriage Nullity Process