30 Min Monthly Conversations:
Discussing Love, Family, and Faith
UPCOMING CONVERSATIONS
Supporting Couples
In choosing and using Natural Family Planning

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January 17th, 2024
2:00-2:30 PM Mountain Time
Hosted by Ashley Ruybal with Ellen Holloway | Catholic Sexuality and NFP Mindset Coach
We have a huge chasm in our church when it comes to teaching about Natural Family Planning (NFP). Many marriage preparation programs provide an introduction or even a full course of instruction in a method of fertility awareness, but roughly 2% of Catholic married couples report actually using NFP in their marriage.
What is it that parishes need to do in order to help couples choose to use NFP and then support them in continuing to use this natural method of fertility regulation even when things get hard?
Join Ellen Holloway in a discussion of what couples really need and how we can implement solutions to support marriages in this way.
PAST CONVERSATIONS
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Empowering Moms and Daughters
Navigating Puberty together with our Mothers of (Pre) Teens program

October 11th, 2023
Hosted by Ashley Ruybal with Jackie Aguilar from Natural Womanhood
Girls entering puberty need to be taught about puberty and cycles. What are some of the roadblocks or fears for moms when it comes to discussing these topics? Our Mothers of (Pre) Teens program is a tool for moms to help them be the primary educator of their daughter and to build closeness and trust in their relationship.
We will take you on a short tour of the Mothers of (Pre) Teens course and discuss the impact that it is having on moms and daughters.
JUST ASK!
Parish Offeratory, Stewardship and Major Giving

Hosted by Ashley Ruybal with Rob Faughnan, CFRE from BluePhilanthropy
BluePhilanthropy has studied numerous parish offertories throughout the United States, asking the question:
- Would parishioners give more?
- Do they have more to give?
HOW CAN THE CHURCH SUPPORT FAMILIES OF CHILD LOSS?

August 30th, 2023
Hosted by Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Kelly Breaux from Red Bird Ministries
When a parent experiences the loss of a child, they often don't know where to turn. For many, our first reach is not to the Church. Holy Mother Church desires to support families of loss.
In this webisode, we will talk about the challenges parents face in losing a child and ways to support families beyond the funeral.
MY DELIGHT
New Resources for Catholic Married Couples

Hosted by Ashley Ruybal with Dr. Sarah Bartel from Cana Feast
When a couple is struggling in their marital intimacy, what resources are there to help them with practical guidance that is in line with Catholic teaching?
Hear from moral theologian Dr. Sarah Bartel about her work helping married Catholic women grow in their experience of the marital embrace. Hear about the common problems women face and the kinds of support and guidance that can help.
MALE FEMALE OTHER?
A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender

Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter Jason Evert with Chastity Project
- How many genders are there?
- What if my daughter says she’s trans?
- Should I use their preferred pronouns?
- Is gender a social construct?
- Are puberty blockers safe?
- What if I experience gender dysphoria?
From Ashes to Life:
A testament to God's healing power and grace after an affair

Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenters: Deano and Karen Gonzales, Marriage Prep Instructors for CMP.
Tragically, many couples find themselves in despair, without hope, and filing for a divorce after an affair. This webisode will provide some insight and real life experience of how the love of Jesus led Deano and Karen through the pain and suffering of a 2 year affair and restored their marriage.
Listen in on how they hope to help other couples who find themselves in a similar crisis and journey with them to navigate the waters to freedom and a restored marriage.
Helping Adult Children of Divorce
Who are Preparing for Marriage

Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenters: Dr. Daniel and Bethany Meola of Life-Giving Wounds
Men and women whose parents are divorced or separated are statistically at more risk of divorcing themselves. What can clergy and pastoral leaders do to help adult children of divorce (ACODs) marry with greater confidence and success? Dr. Daniel and Bethany Meola are the founders of Life-Giving Wounds, an apostolate dedicated to giving voice to the pain of ACODs and helping them find healing. The Meolas will discuss the particular wounds and needs of those preparing for marriage after not seeing their parents' marriages last, including anxiety about conflict, difficulty with genuine intimacy, fears about parenting, and more. This webisode will help those in marriage preparation ministry be more aware of the particular needs of ACODs and help them overcome the challenges they face, in order to marry joyfully and confidently.
Supporting Couples
in Healing from Pornography Use

Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter: Dan Spadaro
It is clear that both husband and wife are impacted when there is a discovery of pornography use in the marriage. How can we help support a couple when there is a discovery? Dan Spadaro, a licensed counselor, will offer some practical and theoretic ideas related to issues that come up in this process and possible guidance and resources for growth.
Catholic Quinceañeras Celebrations

November 2nd, 2022
Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter: Carmen Chavez-Lopez
Previously recorded on November 2nd, 2022. In this short presentation, you will learn how our online Quince course provides a wonderful opportunity to bring teens and their families back to church and, more importantly, to God. Please note - this webisode will be presented in English and focus on supporting the Hispanic community in parishes through the Quinceañeras Celebrations.
Formation of Conscience

September 28th, 2022
Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter: Christian Meert
Previously recorded on September 28th, 2022. Take 30 minutes to learn more about why it is so important to have a well-formed conscience, the difference between opinions and conscience, and how CatholicMarriageprep.com deals with this in our marriage preparation course with engaged couples.
Is Your Parish Mission - Driven or Budget - Driven?

July 20th, 2022
Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter: Jonathan Teixeira from Wallet Win
Previously recorded on July 20th, 2022. How do you offer your parishioners the tools and strategies they need to live as the good stewards they’re called to be? In this webisode, you’ll learn how to start designing a budget around your mission.
Handling Tough Topics in Catholic Marriage Prep:
Addressing Gender Dysphoria, Catholic Anthropology, and Transgenderism

June 1st, 2022
Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Presenter: Patrick Hernandez
Previously recorded on June 1st, 2022. Destructive gender ideologies are rapidly on the rise, so how do we prepare engaged couples for marriage in a world where genders are blurred? Learn how we help couples understand God's plan for men and women, and embrace the God-given missions that our world is currently trying to redefine.
Online Solutions for Marriage Convalidations

March 26, 2022
Hosted by: Ashley Ruybal with Special Guest Speaker: Christian Meert
Previously recorded on March 26, 2022. Unsure how to handle marriage convalidations? Learn how CatholicMarriageprep.com can help you and your parish in these unique situations.