A Ministry +  Catechism + Family Perspective + Parenting Skills + Internet Parenting Resources + Parishes & Parents + Single Parents

Parenting is a divine calling and ministry.  Read more from the Catechism of the Catholic Church >

Parishes and families can form mutually supportive partnerships.  The church of the home needs the support of the Church of the parish to live out its divine mission and calling in the modern world.  Families, in turn, willingly support and participate in a parish that actively listens to their needs and equips them with practical skills for parenting and family spirituality.  

A Family Perspective in Church and Society is a framework for viewing ministry in order to evaluate present programs in order to plan more effective family-friendly ministry that empowers families to be who God calls them to be.  Read more about the Family Perspective>

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Parenting Skills need to develop as children grow.  Parents need to be affirmed in their role and can add more tools to the skills they already have.  Some solid and helpful programs include:

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman Ph. D., and Ross Campbell, M.D.  is a video workshop and book.  The concepts of the emotional love tank and ways to communicate love to children so that they feel loved are explained.  A base of unconditional love helps children develop secure self-esteem, strong moral consciences and makes discipline much more effective and easy.  Parents can benefit individually or parishes can host a group workshop.  Call Bill Boomer 216-334-2971 for more information or contact Lifeway Press 1-800- 458-2772 directly.  

Active Christian Parenting and Active Parenting of Teens is a systematic approach to parenting that is neither dictatorial nor permissive.  An active (not reactive) style empowers parents to be authoritatively in charge in a way that respects and honors both themselves and their children.   Call Bill Boomer 216-334-2971 to learn more or visit the Active Parenting Website.

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Internet Parenting Resources  

Christian Family Movement is well established worldwide and has materials for families that would like to meet together in a small group format for study, prayer, fellowship and action.  

ParentSoup  An extensive, secular site with extensive information on all aspects of parenting except the spiritual.

Parenting Today's Teen A comprehensive site covering many topics including single parents, stepfamilies, spirituality (including a Catholic link), discussion groups and ask the experts.

National Center for Fathering (NCF)  The Center was founded in 1990 by Dr. Ken Canfield. "Our goal is to help men be better fathers, and to offer resources to help with family issues that effect kids like divorce, being a step-parent, and raising teens."

The Stepparenting Connection offers topical and practical advice to the growing number of stepfamilies in America today.  

Bonus Families A positive approach with practical advice on "ex-etiquette" and the cardinal rule for stepparents.

Focus on the Family is the well-known evangelical Christian organization of Dr James Dobson offering many articles and publications to help Christian families grow.