Family
The Service of Marriage, Family and Life strives to include families and children in all organized diocesan activities and events. The service also supports activities that celebrate, affirm and enrich families in the Archdiocese.
Please take note of other local groups and initiatives offering activities or suggesting resources for families, on the right side of this web page.
We also promote a natural approach to family planning and infertility problems.
Fertility Health Awareness Seminar
The Marriage, Family and Life Service of the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface is pleased to offer a Free, Fertility Health Awareness Seminar with sessions in both the Spring of and Fall of 2022-2023.
This seminar gives couples and individuals the opportunity to discover Natural Family Planning (NFP) & to find a method that fits their needs. Attendees will receive certified teaching on one of the following methods of NFP/Fertility Care:
Spring Session 2023 (In-Person)
May 27, 2023 (1:00-4:30 pm)
Registration deadline: Monday, May 15, 2023 |
Click on the links above to find out more about each NFP/Fertility Care Method.
There is no cost to participate, however registration is required!
** Please note, that the Fertility Health Awareness seminar is an introductory session, and the class will aim to teach the basics and background on the method. Further classes, and the purchase of materials or resources may be necessary
(at a cost) for those interested in fully learning a method.
Please register online at: bit.ly/register-fhas |
For more information:
mfl@archsaintboniface.ca/204-594-0274
OR Nadine: mfl2@archsaintboniface.ca/ 204-594-0295
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
Natural family planning is a safe and natural method of family planning that allows for individuals and couples to thrive. There are different methods based on observing a woman’s cycle; a few of which use technological inputs. Serena (www.serenamb.com), a non-profit organization, offers monthly information sessions about the sympto-thermal method. For more information on Serena and other methods of natural family planning, see the other resources for natural family planning and infertility, on the right side of this web page.
An introduction to Theology of the Body and Natural Family Planning (NFP) from the perspective of a young couple sharing how NFP has empowered and brought joy and freedom to their marriage.
Professional athletes, Mike Sweeney and Philip Rivers share their personal insights and perspectives on natural family planning.
Mike Sweeney- Former MLB player, shares his thoughts on initially using contraception in his marriage vs natural family planning.
Philip Rivers- NFL Quarterback speaks about his transition from an initial response to NFP through a reluctant obedience of his Catholic faith, but how his relationship, intimacy and connection with his wife was ultimately impacted.
Fertility Awareness based methods vs Hormonal Contraceptives
Learn about Fertility Based Awareness Methods to understand your hormones & your health! Taught by Catholic OB/Gyn Physician - Dr. Monique Ruberu
10 FAMILY TIPS
The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life launches a new initiative of the "Amoris Laetitia Family Year”, dedicated by Pope Francis to the family.
This Decalogue for children with 10 tips for growing together - parents and children - in the family environment, putting into practice what Pope Francis says in the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia.
10 tips that parents and educators can give to little ones to discover the importance of dialogue in the family, brotherhood, the value of self and others, the spirit of service.
Click Here for more information!
ROSARY FOR THE FAMILY
The Rosary for the Family has been carefully created by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life to help families to pray together.
Each mystery is accompanied by a watercolor drawing that helps families enter into the mysteries and meditations proposed more profoundly, so that they can become “cenacles of prayer for spreading Mary's love
throughout the world”.
Click here to view
NATIONAL WEEK FOR LIFE AND THE FAMILY
We are Catholics from all three archdioceses in Manitoba: Archdiocese of St. Boniface, Archdiocese of Winnipeg, and Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, working together to organize events, promote prayer and reflection within our families.
Click on the image to visit the website
INFERTILITY
Infertility is a painful reality for many couples. NAPRO Technology (www.naprotechnology.com) offers solutions that are natural, effective and in line with Catholic teachings to conceive a child.
Fertility Care Toronto is a medical clinic that offers a fertility program using NAPRO Technology. Several manitoban couples recieve fertility care remotely from this clinic. To speak with one of these couples who is happy to share their success story with this program, please contact the Service of Marriage, Family and Life.
To read more success stories from couples using NaPro Technology, click here: SUCCESS STORIES.
Learn about NaPro Technology in treating infertility in a natural and cost effective way. Taught by Catholic OB/Gyn Physician - Dr. Monique Ruberu
SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
"Eden Invitation is lay-led, discipleship focused, and doctrinally orthodox movement from LGBTQ Catholics. Our founders, staff, and program volunteers are Eden Invitation community members. That means that our work is by LGBTQ persons, for LGBTQ persons. We engage our members in active communal discernment and frequently solicit feedback." Click Here to read article from The Pillar.
Porch Series
The Porch Series is Eden Invitation’s story-telling initiative. Sharing the incredible and life giving stories of our community members.
Click Here to View the Porch Series by Eden Invitation |
More resources from Eden Invitation: Click here.
Homosexuality, Gay Marriage, and Holiness
"In the Ascension Presents program "YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body," Jason Evert discusses homosexuality, gay marriage, and the Catholic Church...including why he looks forward to the day the Catholic Church has a same-sex-attracted saint."
More from Jason Evert: Chastity Project
Check out a variety of LGBTQ Topics & the Catholic Church From Chastity Project
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Courage International is a Roman Catholic apostolate that offers retreats, conferences, and local support groups for people experiencing same sex desires. Click here.
Local Winnipeg Courage Chapter: Click here
Contact: Deacon Gilles Urquhart
Phone: (204) 233-5114
E-mail: couragewinnipeg@hotmail.com
"Revoice is an inter-denominational Christian organization offering conferences and local community groups for people with LGBTQ experiences." Click here.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY & LIFE TEAMS
Do you have an interest in supporting strong Marriages, nurturing Families and promoting Life from conception to natural death?
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What is a Marriage, Family and Life Team (MFL team)?
- A Parish MFL team helps support and strengthen couples and families by offering programs and resources that foster an authentically Catholic vision of marriage, family, and the dignity of life at the Parish level, for the Parish Community.
- A Parish MFL team works with the support and guidance of the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface Marriage, Family & Life Service, along with the Parish priest or Parish Life Director.
- Each MFL team looks unique, as each is built to meet the needs of it’s own parish community. One of the wonderful things about having a team in your parish, is that it’s a great way to connect with others in your parish who have similar interests and goals!
- The Archdiocese of Saint Boniface Marriage, Family & Life Service can help support the formation of a new team, to help you get started, and to connect you with resources and other teams in the diocese. There are currently 3 other MFL teams in our diocese!
Click Here to view a printable Brochure on MFL teams |
HOW CAN YOU FORM a MARRIAGE, FAMILY & LIFE TEAM IN YOUR PARISH?
- Print the brochure and share with your pastor & others who may have a heart for building up strong marriages, nurturing families and promoting life in your church.
- If you are interested in creating a team in your parish, and would like more information or to have us come present at your church to interested members, please contact:
Nadine Fetherston: (204) 594-0295 mfl2@archsaintboniface.ca
Sophie Freynet-Agossa: (204) 594-0274 mfl@archsaintboniface.ca
Host a Screening of "WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?"
A short film on the importance of Faith & Family on the Journey to Sobriety.
"The far-reaching effects of addiction are ripping through communities across the country. In his new film What About the Kids? writer and director Jim Wahlberg gives us a poignant look into the true cost of this epidemic through the eyes of Chloe, an 8-year-old girl whose parents are addicted to opioids. Informed by his own battle with addiction, Wahlberg’s film is a touching narrative that illuminates the importance of faith and family on the journey to sobriety."
Click on poster or trailer to view:
National Addiction Awareness Week is:
Sunday, November 20 to Saturday November 26th
Host a screening at your parish then or anytime!
Want to learn how to host a FREE Screening at your Church? |
For more information, including FREE resources such as an:
- Event guide, Discussion Guides, Promotional Poster
and a free link to the Video, or to order a DVD, please:
Click HERE |
No Movie License needed!! All Resources free of charge!
Did you know: "At least 1 in 5 Canadians experience problems with alcohol, drugs or gambling during their lifetime."
"Many more are affected by someone they care about experiencing these struggles. People of all ages and backgrounds experience these issues – and make positive changes." -Addictions foundation of Manitoba.
NEED HELP NOW? |
Mobile Crisis Service
204-940-1781
Kids Help Phone - Text or Live Chat - Click here
Need help now? You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868.
For local addictions support, please contact the:
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Manitoba Addictions Helpline (toll-free): 1-855-662-6605
Email: MBAddictionHelp@afm.mb.ca
For a list of additional resources and support, please Click here.
CHALLENGE & CONQUEST - CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY
Learn more about this awesome Catholic boys and girls club in Winnipeg
for children and youth ages 8 years and up!
Click below to view a video about Challenge/Conquest
Click on the poster below for information about Challenge & Conquest
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY
Pope Francis instituted a Church-wide celebration of the 1st World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly.
It will be held annually every 4th Sunday in July.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION RESOURCES
Books:
How can we help prevent violence in Catholic families?
By: Dr. Christauria Welland
Book available for loan: Archdiocese of St. Boniface library
FREE download in 6 Languages:
Other Resources:
https://mfsdiocese.ca/ Scroll down after "Focus on Reconciliation" to "Focus on Healing"
https://mfsdiocese.ca/focus-on-healing/ending-violence-in-our-families/more-1713
Natural Family Planning
and Infertility
Sympto-Thermal Method: www.serenamb.com ; www.serena.ca
The observation of several signs of the woman’s fertility: basal body temperature, cervical mucus and cervix changes. The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases: relatively infertile, fertile and definitely infertile.
Billings Method: www.woomb.org ; www.woomb.ca
The observation of cervical mucus only. Fertile and infertile days are identified.
Creighton Method: www.fertilitycare.org/creighton-model
The Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS), a standardized modification of the Billings Ovulation Method, includes follow-ups with resource people. In connection with NaProTechnology.
Marquette Method: http://nfp.marquette.edu
The observation of several signs of the woman’s fertility in addition to the use of the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor: Low fertility, high fertility and peak fertility as shown by this monitor indicate the probabilities of conceiving.
Online Class options- Marquette:
https://www.mmnfp.com/learn
https://www.vitaefertility.com/pricing/
MyFertilityMD: www.myfertilitycycle.com
This is one of many smart phone applications, that can also be used on computers. MyFertilityMD allows a woman to record daily her preferred fertility symptoms (cervical mucus, temperature, data from the fertility monitor etc.) In addition, it allows women to ask any questions that may arise to doctors who are up-to-date on natural family planning methods.
NaProTechnology : www.naprotechnology.com
NaProTechnology is the abbreviation of ‘Natural Procreative Technology’. It is a new medical science of human reproduction that uses up-to-the minute medical and surgical techniques to facilitate conception in normal sexual relations.
Fertility Care: www.fertilitycare.ca
This system uses the Creighton Method, as well as NaProTechnology, in order to treat gynecological dysfunctions in women, and is used also for couples with low fertility or who have repeated miscarriages. (Office in Toronto)