Marriage Preparation

Below are the two programs endorsed by the Diocese for marriage preparation:

1. Catholic Family Service
In partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, Catholic Family Service (CFS) offers a Marriage Preparation Weekend to couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The word sacrament is defined as “a sign of the sacred,” which means that couples are encouraged to model their marriage on Christ’s love. Over the course of a weekend, participants take a time-out from wedding planning to developing practical tools that will create a lifelong, happy marriage, including:

• understanding marriage as a sacrament and spirituality in marriage;
• enhancing communication and managing conflict;
• identifying shared and non-shared values, and negotiating differences; and
• managing finances as a married couple.
  
  

The Marriage Preparation Weekend is led by non-judgmental, professional facilitators who are well versed in their areas of expertise. The program is grounded in Catholic values and is open to couples of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.

• To register for this program, couples need to register here.

2. For Better & For Ever
When couples do not reside in the same geographic location, we offer preparation with a mentor couple through virtual sessions (i.e., Zoom) using the For Better & For Ever program.  

• To register, couples need to contact Sr. Mariflor 403-218-5521 or email​​​​

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Marriage Support

• Catholic Family Services  
  ​From the pandemic to the financial market, and even working from home, all of us are under immense stress. We are here for you in the midst of that. Our counselling sessions are delivered using online video conferencing, so you can stay home and stay well. Find information and bookings at booksinglesession.cfs-ab.org
• Retrouvaille
  Retrouvaille helps married couples find reconciliation by teaching communication skills and providing the tools to improve their relationships. Visit Retrouvaille 

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Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods provide couples with the means of achieving or avoiding pregnancy based on natural signs of fertility. ​

• Billings Ovulation Method®
• Serena: Sympto-Thermal Method 
• Marquette Method
• Creighton Model Fertility Care System

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Separation & Divorce Ministry

Support for adults and children who are experiencing separation/divorce in their family and a program helping separated/divorced parents improve their co-parenting relationship. 

• Transitions
  Fifteen-week peer support program for those recently separated or divorced.  
• Effective Co-Parenting: Putting Kids First
  Five-week parents education program to help parents, children and families to cope with separation and divorce. Learn how to manage shared parenting situations, resolve family conflicts, participate in support groups and improve communications between separated/divorced parents 
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For more information about upcoming sessions, contact 403-218-5547.

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Grieving a Miscarriage or Stillbirth

When families lose a baby in the womb, the cries of birth go unheard; the grasp of tiny fingers slips away. This profound loss needs articulation. Join us in a prayer gathering to commend our children communally into the embrace of our merciful God and to support those who are grieving the loss of a child. 

• Contact: Lia O'Hara | 403-218-5511|  Email
• For more information about memorial liturgy for those mourning a miscarried or stillborn infant, visit: http://www.miscarriageliturgy.ca 

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Contacts

• Huy Nguyen | Director of Pastoral Ministry
  ​403-218-5547 - Email
• Anthony Banka | ​​Pastoral Ministry Coordinator
  403-218-5518 - Email
• Sr. Mariflor Jacob | Administration Assistant
  403-218-5521 - Email