This is the mission statement for the Christian counseling program at St. Raphael's. God partners with the individuals, couples and families; He has special graces and strengths and cares about what becomes of us.
Mary Jo Faustgen, the marriage and family ministry coordinator, works with Fr. Mark Juettner to establish programs for engaged couples and for hurting individuals and families. Ms. Faustgen creates a warm and welcoming environment; she is open and easy to talk with and a good listener.
Ms. Faustgen works at MidWest Center for Personal and Family Development in St. Paul. She has completed her master's degree in psychotherapy and is licensed as a marriage and family therapist by the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family therapy.
She discusses religion and relationship with God when clients are open to it. She is guided by Catholic teaching but stresses being respectful and loving when discussing differences in how Catholics believe.
Confidentiality is integral to all programs:
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An engaged couple meets with the priests and then a trained mentor couple. In three sessions, they take the pre-marital test, discuss results in a non-judgmental setting and explore experiences in handling problems. The program promotes marriage as exciting, fulfilling and an enriching process with God as a partner.
This is a one-time assessment for parishioners to discuss their issues and establish mutual goals. If clients want to continue therapy, Ms. Faustgen meets with them at her St. Paul office. Since this is a professional therapy, there is a professional fee, which is discounted from the regular fee.
Mary Jo and Jim Faustgen have been married over 30 years. Together, they worked for Conferences for the Engaged with Jack Quesnell in St. Paul, and also taught natural family planning. They formed a ministry called Romance for a Lifetime which is a Christian marriage enrichment program. They have two children, Deanna and Daniel.