Diocesan ministry

My name is Katie Kostelecky, and I recently began my role as the associate to the diocese Office of Family Ministry and Respect Life. My role will be to assist in all the programs that fall within this office including marriage preparation, natural family planning (NFP) and respect life. 
I was born and raised in Bismarck. My husband, Nathan, and I are parishioners of Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary. With a background in social work and human resources, I am excited to use my experience and gifts to support the mission of the Office of Family Ministry and Respect Life. 
 
I am inspired by this statement found in the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Marriage, “The marital vocation is not a private or merely personal affair. Yes, marriage is a deeply personal union and relationship, but it is also for the good of the Church and the entire community.” I hope to draw upon this inspiration and the words of Lumen Gentium, describing the family as the domestic Church and the foundation of society, to assist in building upon the wonderful work the Office of Family Ministry and Respect Life has been doing.

NFP instructors wanted

One of my first goals is to increase the number of natural family planning (NFP) instructors ministering in the Bismarck Diocese. “NFP methods respect God’s design for married love and reflect the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promote openness to life, and recognize the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.” (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p. 23) 

It is imperative that we continue to support a strong NFP program within the marriage preparation process. NFP instructors have a unique opportunity to minister to those preparing to enter the vocation of marriage. They can give the tools and support couples need to live a truly holy marriage that imitates the life of Christ and Christ’s love for us.   
If you or someone you know feels called to become an NFP instructor for the Bismarck Diocese, I’d love to visit with you. The process includes a background check and other questions, to determine the applicant’s suitability. Following the screening process, the applicant may be able to obtain certification to teach a USCCB approved method of NFP