The Office of Family and Life, as an extension of the Archbishop's ministry, exists to encourage, equip, and build up the body of Christ in the Archdiocese of Edmonton through a variety of programs and resources designed to promote an authentic Catholic vision of marriage, human sexuality and family life.

Programs include (or are under development) marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, Natural Family Planning classes, and the annual World Marriage Day celebration.

Associate Director: Diane Rouleau
Phone: 780-469-1010 ext. 2259

Administrative Assistant: Sandra Carrette
Phone: 780-469-1010 ext. 2257

 Or email using the Contact Us button above

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Pastoral Messages

 Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) released a pastoral letter on freedom of conscience and religion. Issued by the CCCB Permanent Council, the letter expresses concern about an “aggressive relativism” in Canada that seeks to relegate religion to the private sphere.

Elements of A National Pastoral Initiative For Life and The Family Following the recommendations of the former Ad Hoc Committee on Life and Family of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), the Bishops of Canada at their October 2011 Plenary Assembly adopted a plan to implement a national pastoral initiative for life and family. The initiative includes a number of possible elements that individual Bishops may decide to use in their dioceses as part of their ongoing pastoral planning.

CCCB Pastoral Initiative for Life and the Family - Preparatory Year 2012

   Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF)

At a time when all the baptized are called to actively engage in the new evangelization, the Catholic Organization for Life and Family offers an enthusiastic look at vocations in its 2011 Message to families, entitled “Families, did you know? Love is calling your children.” Unique and irreplaceable, every child conceived in the womb is called by God to a unique mission. It is in the family, first, that boys and girls learn to know and to trust Him, as they discern their call to love, and, in imitation of Jesus’ selfgiving love, to give themselves in marriage, the priesthood, consecrated life or apostolic celibacy. A parish workshop guide is also available.

Order printed copies from COLF

Is the unborn child human? When does life begin? What does science say? Is abortion a right? Does abortion affect the lives of women? Are there alternatives to abortion? In this beautifully illustrated brochure, "The Unborn Child: A Gift, A Treasure, A Promise: A Reflection on Abortion," COLF answers these questions and many others in a very accessible style. As a complement to this publication, a workshop guide —-designed to assist those who wish to deepen their understanding of this issue — is available for download.

Order printed copies from COLF