Sept. 13-14, Oct. 11-12, Nov. 15-16, 2025
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recognizes that effective family ministry involves an understanding of religious, social, political and economic forces that shape past and present ideas and expectations of family and marriage. This course has three sections. First, the ideas of family and marriage are examined within the context of Roman Catholicism. Second, family systems theory and tools are described to assist pastoral ministers in understanding and responding to family dynamics. Third, particular issues relating to family life (e.g., domestic violence, separation) are explored using systems theory.