Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

These words from Isaiah gives each of us great comfort. In the course of living out our daily vocations, we sometimes encounter difficulty. St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish, desires to assist you in your endeavors to grow in deeper holiness. We curated several resources to help individuals, couples, and families who are encountering personal or relationship difficulties or suffering from a loss.

If you are in need of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call the parish office to speak with our dedicated staff at 574-282-2308. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Because of our baptismal promises, each Catholic is called to aid with burying the dead and comforting and consoling those who have lost loved ones. We at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish will be here to support you in your time of loss.

In addition to helping with funeral plans, we staff a Parish Bereavement Team, who provides support to parishioners who have suffered a loss as well as several resources on preparing for and dealing with loss. Learn more...

Retrouvaille  is an independent, Catholic program designed to help, heal and renew married couples who are drifting or who have drifted apart. The word "retrouvaille" simply means "rediscovery." The Retrouvaille program offers you the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse and a loving relationship in your marriage.

For more information about Retrouvaille of Fort Wayne-South Bend, call 1-800- 470-2230 or visit online at  www.retrouvaille.org.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a scientifically based, morally acceptable method of regulating conception based on daily observation and interpretation of the natural signs of fertility and infertility. Couples who practice NFP often develop a deeper awe for one another's bodies, for the gift of their joint fertility and for the privilege of parenthood. Many couples also find that the mutual respect, regular communication, shared responsibility and self-restraint required by the practice of NFP enrich their relationship and strengthen their marriage.

Lots of classes and resources are offered here in South Bend. Click here for dates, details, and resources...

The Marriage Enrichment Ministry consists of periodic activities that specifically focus on the marriage relationship. Our goal is to support and strengthen marriages by providing opportunities for married couples to continually grow into the Sacrament of Marriage after their wedding day. These activities are organized by the St. Pius Young Adults for the benefit of married couples of all ages in the parish and the local community. For more information visit stpius.net/MarriageEnrichment.

The Third Option of Fort Wayne (New Haven, IN) aims to build better marriages by promoting growth and reconciliation.  Each session in the 14-session cycle covers a comprehensive set of tools that couples can use to develop better levels of understanding, conflict-resolution, and trust while also learning more effective communication skills.  

Although this is not a counseling program, the Third Option provides a confidential peer-to-peer ministry in which couples can learn from trained volunteers who have overcome marital difficulties themselves. For more information visit thirdoptionfw.wordpress.com.

We understand the pain of those for whom divorce seemed the only recourse. We urge them to make frequent use of the sacraments, especially the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.
-U.S. Catholic Bishops, Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan

There are many resources to support couples considering divorce or a decree of nullity. We are here to help you in your time of need. Information about the annulment process and additional resources...