Marriage and Family

The Church is renewing its National Catholic Mental Health Campaign (NCMHC), encouraging all people to become more aware of the issues about mental health, eliminiate stigmas around this serious illness, and seek creative ways to journey with those who struggle. You are invited to reflect on healing and hope around mental health in our local parish community, and learn practical ways to support spiritual care for those struggling with emotional, cognitove and behavioral health.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church
7215 Newlin Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602

What is the best way to help grieving children? They experience grief very differently from adults. This talk is for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone working with children of all ages who are grieving. We will look at children who have experienced the death of a loved one or even hear about death on the news. Specific age-appropriate ideas will be addressed.

St. Bruno Church
15740 Citrustree Rd.
Whittier, CA 90603

What do you need in your life to be successful? The church has identified four clear and central virtues that are “cardinal”, meaning essential, that will ensure a happy life in any circumstance. You will learn the age-old behaviors that will make sure you face any challenge successfully and enjoy your life fully.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church
7215 Newlin Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602

Who is in charge in a Catholic family…the father or mother? What is the design that Our Lord has for family harmony and peace? What if parents disagree on family discipline? How should important family decisions be made? How do grandparents and other relatives fit in? Drawing on many ideas from Our Lord in the scriptures, Fr. Dave presents them in a clear and compelling way.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church
7215 Newlin Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602

Have you had “the talk” with your kids? No, not that talk about the birds and the bees but the talk about the “bigger issues” – I am not getting any younger, someday I won’t be here any longer; here’s what I tried to teach you; what I believe and why; what I hope my legacy is; what I have learned from being a grandparent and what my wishes are when I am gone.

Beatitudes of Our Lord
13013 Santa Gertrudes Ave.
Whittier, CA 90638

When you experience adversity in your personal and family life, you need emotional and spiritual resilience to overcome it. Claire Frazier-Yzaguirre, therapist, author and speaker will offer concrete strategies to find positive meaning in painful crises, manage your emotions to face anxiety, eliminate resentment, overcome sadness and promote happiness. When you are resilient, you know how to overcome life’s challenges…and can say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phillippians 4:13). Join us and bring your friends!

Beatitudes of Our Lord
13013 Santa Gertrudes Ave.
Whittier, CA 90638

This is an important talk! Social media greatly impacts young people especially. How can families guide teens to live their Catholic faith in our out-of-control digital age? This session explores the impact of technology, social media and constant online pressures on young people. Parents and families will gain practical tools to help teens balance faith, identity and healthy habits while staying rooted in Catholic values.

St. Bruno Church
15740 Citrustree Rd.
Whittier, CA 90603

Hear the personal experience of fighting cancer with God in her corner. Any health crisis or simply your decline in health as you age can actually be a faith building experience. Hear the bible passages and messages of faith that had a profound impact on Kate’s state of mind and her cancer journey. Hear the importance of emotions and how to respond to them. Hear insights for family members and how best to support those getting older…or facing cancer.

Beatitudes of Our Lord
13013 Santa Gertrudes Ave.
Whittier, CA 90638

Forgiveness is a fundamental principle of our faith, yet many people struggle with this essential idea. Just what is forgiveness? Should we forgive even those who have committed unforgivable acts? How frequently should we practice this transformative act? Octavio Cesar Martinez, author of his deeply personal story “It Was a Beautiful Day When My Father Died”, provides a comprehensive perspective on the path to healing and freedom from this amazing practice of forgiveness.

St. Bruno Church
15740 Citrustree Rd.
Whittier, CA 90603

In this lively and compelling talk, Joe Sikorra explores how passion in marriage is sustained through gratitude, forgiveness and Christ-centered love. Drawing on Scripture and psychology, he shows how couples can move from conflict to connection by learning three simple behaviors to do each day. Through practical exercises and heartfelt reflection, couples discover the one secret that deepens their love and renews their joy.

St. Bruno Church
15740 Citrustree Rd.
Whittier, CA 90603

How can you keep your faith strong in the glare of major league sports? Dodger great and longtime Angels Manager, Mike Scioscia has always had his Catholic faith front and center of his life and his family. He arranged to have mass celebrated in Angel Stadium on Sunday game days, open to all players on both sides…even Yankee and Boston players! Mike and Anne will share their story…and dedicate a lot of time to your questions.

St. Bruno Church
15740 Citrustree Rd.
Whittier, CA 90603