“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 – 2025 - May 18 - 9:45 Mass


Children’s Blessing – To Be Announced 

Adoptive Family Mass – To Be Announced

Marriage Program – Please see Marriage Enrichment Ministry 

The Christian Active Parents Program – Information for the Program(s) is shown below: 

    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.

Active Parenting: The First Five Years * – Contact Catherine Cwiakala
at the Office (845-896-6400) ... for parents, relatives and caregivers ofchildren from 
Birth to Five Years Old - Free Introductory Sessions – also offered for individuals 
and/or couples. 2024 Program Information:

               
Active Parenting of Teens Program* – Contact Catherine Cwiakala at the Office
(845-896-6400) ... For parents, relatives and caregivers of preteens and teens. -
Free Introductory Sessions – also offered for individuals and/or couples. 2024 Program Information:

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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: [email protected]