Marriage Enrichment Programs
In addition to the pre-Cana programs available throughout the Diocese, Marriage Ministries now include one- and three-day Engaged Encounter programs, a formation workshop called God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, To Trust Again, a program of preparation for re-marriage, Natural Family Planning, Training for married pre-Cana couples, and FOCCUS training for priests, deacons and lay ministers. Please contact the Diocese for more information about any of these programs: (609) 406-7400.

Project Rachel
The pain and sorrow of past abortions need not endure for a lifetime. Call Project Rachel for a confidential referral to a priest and/or counselor: (609) 406-7435.

Living Wills
The tragic case of Terri Schiavo demonstrates how important it is to select a health care proxy, to have an Advanced Directive or Living Will, and to discuss one's wishes with both one's proxy and family. The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey offer a booklet called Advanced Directives for Health Care: A Catholic Perspective, which can be downloaded from the NJ Catholic Conference website.

The NJCC Advanced Directives for Health Care, approved by all the Bishops of NJ, is available through the Office of Family Life/Respect Life. To order a copy, call them at (609) 406-7400 x5558 or x5592.

Elizabeth Ministry
An outreach in which women assist other women during times of pregnancy, birth, adoption, or infant crisis. Elizabeth Ministry provides a support to those suffering from the emotional pain of miscarriage, infertility or failed adoption. If you would be interested in becoming an Elizabeth Minister, please contact Jill Wiater for dates for training sessions and additional information at (609) 406-7400 x5556.

Natural Family Planning
The practice of natural family planning can bring profound changes in a marriage. Now more than ever the Church's teachings on marital sexuality and effective methods of modern Natural Family Planning are available for couples to help them live out that teaching. Natural Family Planning is inspiring, informative and often a hopeful method of achieving or postponing pregnancy. Couples will gain a new insight into true marital intimacy, mutual support and communication, which is enhaced by the practice of Natural Family Planning. For class information, call Jill Wiater, Office of Family Life/Respect Life at (609) 406-7400 x5556.

To Trust Again
The Office of Family Life/Respect Life runs a pre-Cana program designed to meet the pastoral needs of couples in which one or both persons are marrying after the loss of a spouse through death or divorce. The program addresses specific issues these individuals face as they enter into a new relationship. The program invites the couple to explore these issues between themselves and in small-group settings. For additional information, call (609) 406-7400 x5556.

Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Directed by Sister Donna M. D'Alia, with Michele Houmis (Associate) and Chris Adorno (Secretary) assisting. The office is located at 701 Lawrenceville Road, PO Box 5147, Lawrenceville, NJ 08638-0147. For information, call (609) 406-7400, or email youth@dioceseoftrenton.org.

Mercy Volunteer Corps
A lay volunteer program for women and men sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy provides opportunities for people over the age of 21 to give service to those in need. The emphasis of the program is service, community and prayer. Volunteer opportunities include teaching or nursing on an Indian reservation, working in homeless shelters, social service agencies, etc. This is a unique opportunity for those who wish to have an experience ministering to the needy as a young adult, as a mid-life sabbatical or as a retired person. Room, board, medical insurance and a small stipend are provided.

Catholic Charities Website
The Catholic Charities website www.CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org offers information on behavioral health care and social service programs, volunteer and employment opportunities, community events, and links to other websites of interest. All are encouraged to visit this website for information on contemporary family and community issues. A speakers bureau will also become part of this site soon.