PAX IN FAMILIA invites you to learn how to respond to violence and abuse in Catholic and Christian families!

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There are over 130 million Catholic women worldwide who have experienced physical or sexual domestic violence at least once in their life! 

Pax in Familia offers trainings to pastoral agents throughout the world on effective and compassionate responses to violence in Catholic and Christian families. The teaching material has the imprimatur of the Catholic Bishop of San Diego, California, USA. Several Bishops who are familiar with the work of Pax in Familia introduce the English, French and Spanish courses.

CLICK HERE FOR LETTER FROM POPE FRANCIS, FEB. 1, 2021, THANKING DR. WELLAND FOR HER MESSAGE AND BOOK.
Catholic and Christian pastoral agents, priests, religious, catechists, marriage and family life ministers, and marriage preparation educators often lack the training to respond safely, knowledgeably and mercifully to this pressing and frequent problem. Learn to approach family violence with the empathy, information, skills and resources you need! This course is based on Sacred Scripture, the Magisterium,  up-to-date research on partner violence, contemporary treatment and intervention models, and evidence-based prevention methodology. 

Pope Francis’ short video on domestic violence with English subtitles

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Synod 2021-24

Enlarge the Space of your Tent: Working Document for the Continental Stage:

In every area of their lives, women ask the Church to be their ally. This includes addressing the social realities of impoverishment, violence and diminishment faced by women across the globe. They call for a Church at their side, and greater understanding and support in combating these forces of destruction and exclusion. #62

Cardinal Robert McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, 
Introduction to Pax in Familia course

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Your Instructor, Dr. Christauria Welland, has 50 years of international experience as a Catholic catechist, and 25 years as a psychologist specializing in domestic violence

Available in English: Feb. 3, 2021
 
Disponible en español: 8 de septiembre, 2021

Disponible en français: 31 janvier, 2022
 

Receive a Level One Certificate of Training in Pastoral Responses to Violence in Catholic/Christian Families, upon successful completion of the final exam.

Introductory price: $149 for 8 week or 40-hour course.

Payment plan, discounts and scholarships may be available.

Contact paxinfamiliatraining@gmail.com

VIOLENCE AND ABUSE IN CATHOLIC & CHRISTIAN FAMILIES: PREPARING AN EFFECTIVE AND COMPASSIONATE PASTORAL RESPONSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Expected Length of Course

8 modules, 5 hours each, with online learning and studying, including brief tests and a final exam, leading to a Pastoral Certificate provided by Pax in Familia.

Total Time: 40 Hours: 32 hours online learning; 8 hours reading/study.

Method of Completion

Students may work online at their own pace, for example, complete one 4-hour lesson per week, plus one hour of study (total 5 hours) for 8 weeks, or work at the pace they desire.
Students may also meet as a group in person or on Zoom, etc. to study together and to engage in group discussions. This method is preferred, due to fellowship and learning through the discussions, but may not always be possible. It is recommended that when a Diocese, Parish, Religious Order, Lay Organization, etc. is training several pastoral agents, that a Zoom or other online group be formed to study, or at a minimum to discuss, the coursework together.

What is the Cost of the Course?

USD $149.00 one time cost. This may be paid via Stripe with a credit card or debit card. Students can also set up 4 monthly payments of  USD $37.25, which will be automatically withdrawn. Individual or group discounts will be considered. Scholarships may be available. Free access to the course may be obtained through certain Episcopal Conferences. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Welland  at paxinfamiliatraining@gmail.com. 

How Will the Course Be Taught?

Each 4 hour lesson, which can be paused at any interval, will include:

  • Pre-recorded video teaching from the instructor
  • PowerPoint presentations that can also be used for future study and training of others
  • Use of Scripture and Magisterial teachings related to the topic
  • Moments of prayer and sacred song to encourage growth and reflection
  • Relaxation techniques during the course and for future use, and for sharing with others
  • Included download of the instructor’s book on this topic, How can we help to end violence in Catholic families? A guide for clergy, religious and laity (second edition, 2018)
  • Included download of the instructor’s catechetical course on violence prevention for youth and couples, Journeying through Life with Jesus, the Son of God. A Brief Course in Life Skills for Youth and Adults (2019)
  • Video clips and photographs, including of past workshops
  • A brief test at the end of each module
  • Related PDFs to study and download for future students
  • One hour of assigned reading to accompany each lesson, with a brief Q & A (question and answer).
  • Final exam at the end of the course, leading up to Pastoral Certificate

Who is the Course for?

This is a Train-the-Trainers Course!

The course is designed for all Pastoral Agents involved in Family Ministry. This includes Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious Sisters and Brothers, Seminarians, Counsellors, Social Workers, Youth and Adult Catechists, Family Life Ministers, Marriage-Preparation Formators, Child and Youth Educators at all Grade Levels, Marriage Encounter and other Marriage Ministries, Medical & Social Work Staff at Clinics and Hospitals, etc.

The hope and goal of Pax in Familia is that those who complete this course will share this information widely in their dioceses, parishes, schools, and seminaries, and that this knowledge about family violence, violence prevention skills, respect for all people, and healthy relationship skills will come to permeate Catholic and Christian society, as well as the general society to which we belong, in fulfillment of Christ’s command to love one another as He has loved us.

Since Domestic Violence touches all of society, anyone who has contact with families will benefit from this information.
This course is directed to Catholic and Christian pastoral agents/ministers, not because there is violence only in these communities, but because sometimes there is too little awareness of existing violence in these communities, and a lack of preparation to respond effectively and compassionately when confronted with this tragic reality. Members of Christ’s Body may mistakenly believe that domestic violence does not happen in Catholic & Christian families. After all, we are followers of the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Love. Unfortunately, domestic violence is found in every part of the world and in families of every kind, as we will learn.

Is the Material in This Course Approved by the Church?

The material that is presented in this course is contained in the original book How Can We Help to End Violence in Catholic Families, which received the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur of the Bishop of San Diego, CA, USA, H. E. Robert W. McElroy, in 2015.This book is an integral part of the course and is included with registration. Most of the quotations from other sources are from the Magisterium since 1980, and thus reflect the established teaching of the Catholic Church. The instructor is an experienced catechist and practicing Catholic. There is nothing contrary to faith and morals in this material.

His Holiness Pope Francis has written to Pax in Familia to express his thanks for the ministry. The Bishops of San Diego, CA, Santo Domingo en Ecuador, and Gikongoro Diocese in Rwanda have provided video introductions to the courses in English, Spanish and French. 

The material in this course is essentially the same as that presented for seven Episcopal Conferences in Africa and Sri Lanka in 2018 in the presence of numerous Bishops, except for more recent quotations from Pope Francis, and updates from the websites of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and other reputable entities that publish information on domestic violence.

What Will We Learn During This Course? 

We will invoke the Holy Spirit frequently in prayer and song in every one of our modules. Without the Lord, we cannot hope to accomplish this very challenging work.

We will engage in prayer and in sacred song in each module as an integral part of the learning process, since the first task of this course is to be open to a change in attitude on a topic that is often misunderstood, and to listen deeply to the Lord and his teachings on love.

We will learn why we as Catholics and Christians should be concerned about violence in the families we serve, and how we can collaborate to help families navigate through and overcome this significant challenge.

Topics Covered in this Course 

  • Introduction to the importance of this topic for pastoral work
  • What is domestic violence?
  • What does Scripture teach about love, respect and mercy?
  • What does the Church teach about respect and equality in marriage in the 21st century?
  • What does the Church teach about violence in families in the 21st century?
  • How widespread is domestic violence worldwide, and in particular countries and regions?
  • What are some of the risk factors for domestic violence?
  • Why does domestic violence exist? Where does it come from?
  • What are the effects of domestic violence on victims, aggressors and children?
  • Components of an effective and compassionate pastoral response to domestic violence
  • How can the various elements of our faith community respond to domestic violence?
  • How can we help women, men, youth and children to respond to domestic violence when confronted with it?
    We will study a brief relationships skills course based on Amoris Laetitia (2016) to teach couples to live out the Sacrament of Matrimony with greater love and fidelity.
  • What are some proven methods we can use for ourselves and others to prevent domestic violence among the families and the young people we serve?
  • We will learn how to use a catechetical program written by the instructor for youth and married couples, to deepen their relationship with Christ and to prevent abuse and violence.
  • We will learn briefly about the future Levels 2 & 3 of this training, which will give us the tools to work separately with abused spouses and abusive spouses in our faith communities. Levels 2 & 3 will be available for study in 2022.

The student who successfully passes the Final Exam for Level 1 with a grade of 80% or more will obtain the Level 1 Certificate in Training for Pastoral Responses to Violence in Catholic & Christian Families

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EACH MODULE:

MODULE 1: BASICS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 

  • Importance of the topic; Definitions; Statistics; Risk Factors; Theories of Etiology, Facts about alcohol and domestic violence
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable)or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 2: SCRIPTURE AND THE MAGISTERIUM ON MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY

  • Christian Anthropology and the Theology of the Body
  • Papal teachings on equality of women and men
  • Pope Francis & Amoris Laetitia
  • What does the Catholic faith teach about violence in marriage?
  • His Holiness Pope Francis on violence
  • Inculturation of Catholic marriage values: compatibility and challenges
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 3: THE CHURCH AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

  • Catholic Social Teaching on human rights and women’s rights
  • When and how to intervene and treat domestic violence
  • Teaching of various Episcopal Conferences on domestic violence
  • Group discussion or personal reflection on forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • Video and PowerPoint Presentation by Canon Lawyer regarding Declarations of Nullity when there is domestic violence
  • Instructor’s material : Possible grounds for nullity when there is domestic violence
  • Presentation of further material to study
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 4: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON VICTIMS, AGGRESSORS AND CHILDREN

  • Short and long-term effects of domestic violence on the person who suffers it
  • Effects on children
  • Short and long-term effects of domestic violence on the person who commits it
  • Video: Testimonials of victims from past workshops
  • Healing Prayer and Meditation

INTRODUCTION TO EFFECTIVE PASTORAL RESPONSES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
  • Preliminary ideas about prevention and intervention in your dioceses. etc.
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 5: EFFECTIVE PASTORAL RESPONSES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Welcoming and responding to those who are troubled by domestic violence in our parishes:

  • First responders: priests, deacons, religious, and lay ministers
  • Reflections on bearing the Cross of Christ: Social Teaching of the Church w/ discussion on forgiveness
  • What Bishops can do to end domestic violence in Catholic/Christian families
  • What priests/pastors can do
  • What religious sisters or brothers can do
  • What family life ministers, educators and catechists can do
  • Brief test
  • Assignment: Gather information on services available in your region.
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection of applications in your pastoral settings, possibly by Diocese, parish, or ministry.

Total Teaching Time: 3 Hours

Additional Study or Meeting Time: 2 Hours

MODULE 6:  RELATIONSHIP TRAINING FOR COUPLES IN PARISHES

  • Living the “communion of persons”: the vocation of Catholic marriage
  • Living the dignity and equality of a Catholic wife
  • Specific relationship skills to deepen your love and improve your marriage
  • Include points from Chapter 4 of Amoris Laetitia
  • Incorporation of cultural issues & approaches

BRIEF INTERVENTIONS FOR THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • What can a victim of domestic violence do to get help?
  • If you know a child whose parent is suffering from domestic violence, what can you do to help that child/family?
  • Offering hope for healing from trauma, being a better parent, and improving relationships.
  • Issue of forgiveness when there is abuse.

BRIEF INTERVENTIONS FOR THE ABUSER
FAITH, SELF-REGULATION, & RELATIONSHIP SKILLS TO LEARN & SHARE

  • How can you help the abuser
  • What can you teach a husband and father to end domestic violence in his family?

Practical Strategies for Ending Abusive and Violent Behavior in Marriage

  • Faith: Stop the violence!
  • Thoughts: Stop the violence!
  • Words: Stop the violence!
  • Actions: Stop the violence!
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 7: INTRODUCTION TO PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: INCORPORATION INTO PASTORAL WORK

  • Review of risk factors and where we as Church can intervene to prevent violence
  • Main principles of violence prevention
  • Prevention of future domestic violence: Work with boys and men
  • Prevention of future domestic violence: Work with girls and women
  • Verbal, physical, and sexual violence are wrong, regardless of the gender of the aggressor
  • Working with young men and women to prevent dating violence
  • The Theology of the Body for young people
  • Marriage preparation and prevention of domestic violence
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection
  • Brief test

Total Teaching Time: 4 Hours

Additional Study Time: 1 Hour

MODULE 8: PRESENTATION OF 8 LESSONS ON VIOLENCE PREVENTION, TO BE USED IN CATHOLIC& CHRISTIAN SETTINGS

  • Journeying through Life with Jesus, the Son of God. A Brief Course in Life Skills for Youth and Adults (Welland, 2019)
  • We will review the 8 sessions of this program in some depth so that students will be prepared to practice it for themselves and to teach it to others.

BRIEF PRESENTATION OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 TRAININGS FOR THE FUTURE (coming in 2022)

  • LEVEL 2: Facilitating a 16-week Therapy and Support Group (Same-gender) for Victims in your Parish or Region, for Professionals and Paraprofessionals
  • LEVEL 3: Facilitating a 20-week Therapy and Support Group (Same-gender) for Abusers in your Parish. This can also be presented as a general Men’s Group open to all to reduce resistance.
  • Discussion in online group (or in person when practicable) or personal reflection

PRACTICAL PLANNING TO PUT THIS COURSE INTO ACTION:

After personal reflection, gather in person or virtually with others who have attended the training to discuss and select relationship skills, prevention and intervention strategies to use in your dioceses, etc.

Decide on order of trainings and timeline. Gather by Diocese if indicated for your group. Make draft Diocesan Proposal for your Bishop(s). Appoint preliminary Task Force leaders to follow up with concrete plans for implementing the strategies, and set dates for follow-up meetings.

The Instructor and/or other trainers may be available to participate in the virtual meeting to facilitate and answer questions, given enough prior notice.

Total Teaching Time: 3 Hours

Additional Study or Meeting Time: 1.5 Hours

Final Examination leading to Certification

PAX IN FAMILIA invites you to learn how to respond to violence and abuse in Catholic and Christian families!

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