An Annulment -- which is properly called a Decree of Nullity -- deals with the Sacramental character of the marriage. If an Annulment is granted, that means the person would be free to marry in the Catholic Church. The Annulment process is most often initiated by meeting with the Pastor or a pastoral associate who will provide assistance in completing a preliminary investigation form, prior to submitting the proper information to the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.

While many parishioners carry out some form of lay ministry, these pastoral associates must complete the Diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Process -- which consists of theological education, study, prayer and prayerful reflection, communication and group dynamics skills, and leadership training.

Those who successfully complete the first two years of the process will receive a Basic Lay Ministry Certification, while those who successfully complete a third year in the program will receive a Lay Ministry Certification in their special area of skill training. In this case, the pastoral associates are trained in the Annulment process. 

If interested in serving, please be aware that there is significant training required.

Engaged couples planning marriage must undergo a Marriage Preparation program. Couples are also required to complete a FOCCUS Inventory. 

While the Diocese holds the Pre-Cana workshops, our Parish recommends an Engaged Encounter Weekend or the Sponsor Couple Process.  For either program, presenting couples for an Engaged Encounter Weekend or sponsor couples for the Sponsor Couple Process must be trained by the Diocese Family Life Office.  These couples will then receive assignments when they arise.

Please let us know if you'd be interested in being a presenting couple for an Engaged Encounter Weekend or a sponsored couple for the Sponsor Couple Process. 

If you only have a few hours to volunteer, consider lending a hand in the Parish Office! This is a great way to get involved and meet other parishioners. Opportunities are available on an "as-needed" basis:

• Duplicating/Copying

• Processing bulk mailings

• Data Entry

• Filing/organizing

• Coordinating special projects

Good Shepherd depends upon the assistance of parishioners to process the weekly collection each Monday. Volunteers work in teams of 3-4, serving about once every 3-4 weeks. The process normally takes 1-2 hours, starting at 10:00 AM or another time agreed upon by that week's team. 

(Please note that the frequency of volunteering will decrease as more teams are formed.)

Good Shepherd is always in need of new volunteers to assist with the processing of the collection and your assistance is greatly appreciated!