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

 Our 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 –  Held in May and October -
Next Scheduled Mass - Date to be Announced
Click here for flyer from October 2018 - for information 

Children’s Blessing – 2019 - Date to be Announced
Click here for flyer and to register 

Adoptive Parenting Masses - Held in November -
Next Scheduled Mass - 9:45 a.m. Mass - November 2019
Click here for flyer

Nurturing with Joy for Our Toddlers and Preschoolers - 
Click Here for Updated Flyer (February 28, 2019)

Co-Parenting and Divorce Program ... begins April 30, 2019 (7 - 9 p.m.)       
or May 1, 2019 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)  ... See Attached Flyer for Information

Active Parenting: The First Five Years.  This program is for parents of children
from 1-5 years of age.  This program will be presented as part of the Nurturing with Joy Our Toddlers and Preschoolers above ...  Click here for flyer

Christian Active Parenting  – Ages 5 to 15 -  This program is for parents of children         from 5 to 15 years of age and guides parents to intetgrate their faith into parenting ...
Click Here for Updated Flyer (February 28, 2019)

Active Parenting of Teens - This program will provide the guidance and support you need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth.  This program is for parents of teenagers and will be scheduled one session each month during Religious Education Classes.   Click Here for Updated Flyer (February 28, 2019)  

      Active Parenting, 4th Edition, and Active Parenting of Teens
      program as well as the available anytime on-line programs
      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.

Bereavement Programs for Children, Teens, and Their Parents: 
We are preparing this program and will give more information as it develops.
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