“Come to Me …”

St. Mary’s Parents and Children’s Ministry Programs

Pope 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 – Our next Mass will be held sometime in May 2022 ...     date to be announced. 

Children’s Blessing –  Spring - To Be Scheduled

Adoptive Family Mass – At a Sunday 9:45 a.m. Mass in November 14, 2021
Click here for program flyer

Marriage Program – Please see Marriage Enrichment Ministry

Active Parenting: The First Five Years * –  for parents, relatives and caregivers of children from Birth to Five Years Old - Free Introductory Sessions – also offered for individuals
and/or couples. Please contact Catherine at the office for information
Active Parenting of Teens Program* – Beginning date to be determined.
For parents, relatives and caregivers of preteens and teens. - Free Introductory Sessions –
also offered for individuals and/or couples. 

The Christian Active Parents Program – This program is available and may be scheduled: 

    Active Parenting Programs: The First Five Years, Christian Active Parenting Now, and
   Active Parenting of Teens Program: can be previewed at www.activeparenting.com .

* 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.

   
DivorceCare – Wednesdays, beginning on October 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.,
St. Mary's Church, Wappingers Falls. DivorceCare provides help for families
who experience the emotional suffering caused by separation or divorce.
You may join atany time. For more information please contact Cathy Drennen,
at katers59@yahoo.com or call (845) 546-0268.  You may view more information at divorcecare.org

Cooperative Parenting and Divorce Program – This program: 1.) Educates parents
on the impact their conflict has on their children; 2.) Explains children’s issues in parenting after divorce or parenting after separation; and 3.) Teaches parents the practical skills they need to manage anger, increase impulse control, resolve conflict and talk to each other without arguing. (See activeparenting.org.) It will be offered in the Spring 2022. 


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Rainbows for All Children – We will resume the Rainbow Program when we are able.
The Rainbows for All Children (rainbows.org) has a wealth of current  resources for parents
to guide children in all areas of  grieving and healing from loss, including:
 

• Significant Illness 
• Death
• Deployment
• Deportation
• Incarceration
• Separation and Divorce
• Trauma and Grief
• Community Crises

  
 Go to:  Dougy.org  
Abbey Press CareNotes on a huge variety of topics for adults, teens and children are on
the Ministry table (right side in back as you leave church) and at St. Mary’s Parish Office.

St. Mary’s Resource Library - Spirituality, Parenting, Child Development, Bereavement,
Divorce, Addictions, and Self Esteem for Adults and Children, are just some of the topics
of books and DVDs available.

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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
E-mail: ccwiakala1@gmail.com