Pope Saint John Paul II stated,
 “… the future of the world and of the Church passes through the family.”

St. Mary’s Parish supports families through our Parent and Child Education – Counseling Ministry. Our goal is to increase confidence and enjoyment of parenting by providing              up-to-date education in the areas of physical, mental, emotional, social, creative, and   
spiritual development. Programs are offered in a supportive and friendly atmosphere       
where parents are able to meet peers to learn, pray, share feelings and concerns,                           
and develop friendships.

Our educational programs and blessing services include:

Expectant Parents’ Masses – Sunday, October 20, 2019 - 9:45 a.m. Mass
                                                             (and a Sunday in May - to be announced) 
                                                             Click here for flyer

Children’s Blessing – October 2, 2019 - 9:45 a.m. Mass
                                              Click here for flyer and to register 

Adoptive Family Mass - November 17, 2019 - 9:45 a.m. Mass
                                               Click here for flyer

Active Parenting: The First Five Years. This program begins October 10, 2019, for parents, realtives and caregivers of chldren from Birth to Five Years Old - Free Introductory Sessions - also offered for individuals and/or couples.  Click here for flyer

Nurturing with Joy for Our Toddlers and Preschoolers - Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Chapel on Bedford Avenue.  This program, in which parents choose topics, will begin after the Active Parenting First Five Years Program is completed.

Active Parenting Programs: The First Five Years, Chistian Active Parenting Now and Active Parenting of Teens Program:  New 3rd Edition can be previewed at www.activeparenting.com.

The Christian Active Parenting and Active Parenting of Teens Programs are available to be scheduled.

     Topics presented in the Active Parenting Programs include: choosing to be an            
     active parent; encouraging our children’s self-esteem, courage and responsibility;    
     understanding our children’s behavior and redirecting misbehavior with
     effective discipline; developing family problem solving with cooperation and  
     communication; and family spirituality.

Divorce Care Program begins on October 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Parish Office - See Divorce Care Ministry Page for Flyer.

    Surviving the Holidays for Divorce Care - See Divorce Care Page for Flyer
    Surviving the Holidays for Divorce Care for Kids - Kindergarten through 8th Grade -
    is offered by St. Mary's - See Divorce Care Ministry Page for Flyer

Cooperative Parenting and Divorce - This program begins March 3, 2020 (7-9 p.m.) and repeated March 4, 2020 (10 - 12 Noon) - St. Mary's Parish Office -
See Divorce Care Ministry Page for Flyer

Bereavement Programs for Children, Teens, and Their Parents: 

      GriefShare, Surviving the Holidays and Loss of a Spouse Programs are offered
      by St. Mary's - See Bereavement Minstry Page for Flyers/Information.

 NEW:  Divorce and Bereavement Programs for children will be introduced -           
               January 2020:

     There will be new programs offered for children who experience separation     
     and/or divorce in their families and children who experience serious illness
     and/or death in their families beginning in January 2020 - Updated
     information will be provided when available.

There are Abbey Press CareNotes on the Parenting Ministry table in the back of St. Mary’s Church, covering all Bereavement Topics for all ages.  We also have a large selection of bereavement books and CDs in the St. Mary’s Grief Library, at St. Mary’s Office.              Our St. Mary’s Priests, Deacons and Catherine are all available to help you.

St. Mary’s Resource Library – Spirituality, Parenting, Child Development, Grief/Bereavement, Divorce, Addictions, and Self Esteem for Adults and Children, …

Catherine Cwiakala, LMSW, our Parenting Ministry Director, leads all
the above programs.  Catherine also provides parent counseling and
play therapy for children. For more information and/or to sign up for
a program, please call Catherine at the Parenting Ministry Office,
at 845-896-6400. 

Catherine E. Cwiakala, LMSW
* Parent Counseling  *  Child/Parent Play Therapy
Educational Group Leader  *  Parenting Ministry Director

Saint Mary, Mother of the Church
103 Jackson Street, PO Box 780,
Fishkill, NY 12524

Phone: (845) 896-6400      Fax: (845) 896-4575