Rob - Curriculum vitae & bio

CURRICULUM VITAE & BIO: [updated 7-19-2023 ]

ROBERT A. RUHNKE C.SS.R.

1617 Iowa Street

San Antonio TX 78203

(210) 557-3660

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

1986 DOCTOR OF MINISTRY, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY, DALLAS TX

Major area of study: Theology / Adult Education

1975 MASTER OF THEOLOGY, ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY, HOUSTON TX

Major area of study: Theology

1967 BACHELOR OF DIVINITY, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SEM, OCONOMOWOC WI

Major area of study: Theology

1963 BACHELOR OF ARTS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SEMINARY, OCONOMOWOC WI

Major area of study : Philosophy

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING EXPERIENCES:

2020. Retrouvaille Weekend and Follow up on Zoom because of Covid-19
2007. Harville Hendrix. A weekend of study of Imago Theory and Dialogue directed by Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt
1988. Edwin Friedman. A weekend study of Generation to Generation directed by Ed Friedman.
1979. Harville Hendrix. Weekend of lectures by H. Hendrix in 1979, additional lectures after that.
1979. Divorce ministry/Annulments/etc. Two week course at Notre Dame University.
1978-1988 Beginning Experience. Team leader and chaplain for weekends.
1976-1984. Engaged Encounter. Creator/Director of the program in Houston TX
1974-1976. Marriage Encounter. Functioned as “team priest” and regional leader.

CURRENT POSITIONS:

June 21, 2023. I received this new assignment from Fr. Kevin Zubel, my Provincial Superior.

Rev. Robert Ruhnke, C.Ss.R.
St. Mary’s Rectory 7215 Newlin Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602
June 21, 2023

Dear Fr. Rob,

I wish first to express my deep gratitude to you for your four years of faithful ministry as a member of the Redemptorist community at St. Mary of the Assumption in Whittier, CA. During this time, you and the community navigated the struggles brought on by the COVID pandemic and, in these most recent months, the challenges associated with the end of our pastoral administration of the parish. I especially commend your initiative in supporting your confreres' emotional and spiritual well-being by helping facilitate the weekly community meetings.

During the visitation in February 2023 and other conversations, you expressed your interest in returning to San Antonio to continue with the apostolate of For Better and For Ever while promoting the sponsor couple model around the country. You noted that this location works best with the operations of the resource team while providing you with an environment conducive to your health.

Therefore, with the unanimous consent of the Extraordinary Provincial Council, I am, with this letter, officially transferring you from the community at St. Mary of the Assumption in Whittier to the Apostolic Center at St. Gerard in San Antonio, Texas, in the marriage ministry special apostolate, effective July 1,2023.

The hope of the provincial council and the Conference of North America is that the Apostolic Center and North American Theologate communities strengthen their relationship both in the apostolate and community life. Therefore, I encourage you to build relationships with the students in the theologate and to work with the formation directors to see how you and your experience might enrich the growth of our student confreres. Please get in touch with the current local superior, Rev. Thomas Pham, to coordinate your transfer back to San Antonio. As you settle in, it will be important to work with Fr. Thomas and Rev. Luong Uong, the next local superior, to integrate your apostolate into the plan for community life. In the meantime, I will formally request the archbishop to provide you with the necessary priestly faculties to minister in the archdiocese.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you conclude your time in Whittier and prepare for your new mission in San Antonio.

Yours in the love of the Redeemer,

Very Rev. Kevin Zubel, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Superior of the Denver Province

+++++++++++++++++

July 1, 2023 - Present. I moved from Whittier CA back to San Antonio TX while continuing as Director of Marriage Preparation Resources. The danger of Covid-19 has receeded to the point that I made some trips to meet with Sponsor Couples in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin in 2021 & 2022. I plan to set up more face to face meetings (in assition to Zoom meetings) with Diocesan Family Life Directors and Parishes into the future.

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

1998-June 30, 2023. Director of Marriage Preparation Resources. Since March 2020, I adjusted to Covid-19 by trying to do everything by Zoom and Email and phone (NO travel out of Whittier CA) for:

training and enrichment of Sponsor Couples
consultation with dioceses and local churches about setting up the For Better and For Ever program using sponsor couples
clergy education (on topics related to marriage preparation)
presentations and retreats (at retreat houses and local churches) which focus on building more intimate and Christ centered marriages.

In 1997, I began using the Internet as a ministerial tool:

My website at (http://www.marriagepreparation.com) makes me available for questions about marriage preparation and professional services to dioceses and local churches and anyone looking for information.

1996-1998. Director of the Office of Development for the Redemptorists of the Vice Province of New Orleans.

1986-1995. Formation Director for Redemptorist theology level seminarians in San Antonio TX. During this time, I authored the 2nd edition of For Better and For Ever in 1989.

1983-1986. Pastor of parishes in Houston TX and Baton Rouge LA. I completed the requirements for the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University in 1986.

1976-1983. Executive Director of the Family Life Office in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. I gave special attention to the design and development of programs for engaged couples, married couples and families, and those suffering the difficulties of divorce. Beginning with the vision of Bishop Edmond Carmody, I collaborated with married couples in Houston to author For Better and For Ever which is used in parishes throughout the U.S. and Canada.

1967-1975. Associate pastor, specializing in Youth Ministry and Marriage Preparation in St. Louis, San Antonio and Houston.

MEMBERSHIPS:

National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers - New Name: Catholic Family Life Association. (1980-present)

PUBLICATIONS:

“I do: Changing the way Christian couples prepare for marriage.” Hope, Quarterly magazine of Redemptorist Denver Province Mission Advancement Ministry, Summer 2009.
Ruhnke, Robert. “Pastoral Issues of Marrying & Tips for Pastoral Ministers”, Presented at National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers, St. Paul MN, June26, 2009. Pastoral_issues_of_marrying_NACFLM.htm

For Better and For Ever, Covenant edition, October 2007.

“New Approach to Marriage Preparation,” Redemptorists In Action, Vol.25,#7,Sept2001.

“Marriage Preparation Programs: Are They Working?,” The Living Light, USCC, 2000.

For Better and For Ever (3rd ed.), San Antonio TX, Marriage Preparation Resources, 1997.

The Sponsor Couple Program for Christian Marriage Preparation, Liguori MO, Liguori Pub., 1989.

For Better and For Ever, Liguori MO, Liguori Publications, 1981.

PRESENTATIONS: This list is not complete, but provides a representative listing of what I have been doing

2023. More Zoom trainings, but also some face to face meetings with Sponsor Couples in Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
June 2021 - December 2022. About 20 Zoom training sessions
May 30, 2020. First “official” sponsor couple training on Zoom for Mike and Laura Hebert (Houston).
March 8, 2020. Archdiocese of Hartford CT. Training day for leadership folks (and Dr. Lenny Kelley, Diocesan Family Life Director) as first step in promoting the use of For Better & For Ever in the archdiocese.
October 8-10, 2019. Presentation during Diocesan Family Life Directors meeting in Washington DC hosted by Julia Dezelski.
September 21, 2019. Sponsor Couple training for Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
July 26-28, 2019. Workshop at NACFLM conference Denver CO.
June 29, 2019. Sponsor Couple training at St. Ann, Midland TX.
June 22, 2019. Sponsor Couple training in El Campo TX.
May 30 – June 10, 2019. Holy Land Tour with Orth Family (daily celebrations of Eucharist at shrines).
April 25, 2019. Presentation of For Better & For Ever at San Antonio Marriage Initiative (Carl Caton).
March 31, 2019. Sponsor couple training with Chuck and Carolyn Lamar in Frisco CO.
February 3 – 11, 2019. Meetings in Guam with Archbishop, and a series of meetings with clergy, sponsor couples, training for new sponsor couples, and one evening for anyone who wanted to talk about marriage in the Church
September 19, 2018. Invited to teach Roger Keeler’s class: Marriage Preparation – pastoral strategy for clergy.
August 27-28, 2018. Presentation to Extra Patriam CSSRs in Houston TX on For Better & For Ever.
July 4, 2018. Video Conference with Vijoleta about her plan to translate For Better & For Ever for use in Lithoania.
July 15-18, 2018. NACFLM in Lafayette LA. Workshop on Sponsor Couples. Met Dr. Tom Neal and got permission to make use of his material on “Family Life: Ground Zero”
February 24, 2018. Sponsor Couple training at St. John in Diocese of Victoria.
February 10. 2018. Sponsor couple training in Flatonia TX, Diocese of Victoria.
February 3, 2018. Presentation on Matrimony / marriage preparation and marriage enrichment at RCIA at St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio TX.
October 28, 2017. Sponsor Couple Training in El Campo TX, Diocese of Victoria.
September 30, 2017. Sponsor Couple training at St. John Neumann, San Antonio TX.
September 16, 2017. Sponsor Couple training at Mary Queen of Peace, St. Louis MO.
September 4, 2017. Sponsor Couple training at Lamar’s home in Frisco CO.
August 15-18, 2017. Took part in theologians retreat at Mayan Ranch with Peter Hill.
July 23-26, 2017. NACFLM in Washington DC. I gave workshop on For Better & For Ever and was given NACFLM award!!!!
April 28, 2017. Meeting with pastor and sponsor couples in Maricopa AZ.
February 25, 2017. Sponsor Couple Training at St. Mark in San Antonio TX
February 18, 2017. Presentation on Matrimony / marriage preparation and marriage enrichment at RCIA at St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio TX.
July 19-23, 2016 NACFLM Conference – Albuquerque NM - Gave workshop.
May 28, 2016 Sponsor Couple Training at St. Mark, San Antonio TX
February 27, 2016 Presentation on Matrimony for RCIA as St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio TX
January 30, 2016 Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of Las Vegas NV,
January 23, 2016 Sponsor Couple training at St. Mark, San Antonio TX.
November 21, 2015 Sponsor Couple training at St. Christopher parish, Nashville TN
November 14, 2015 Sponsor Couple training for Diocese of Greensburg PA.
October 17, 2015 – Presentation at 2nd Annual Parish Life Conference, Auburn ME.
October 10, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training at St. Mark, San Antonio TX
September 19, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of Biloxi MS
July 18, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training (English & Spanish) w John and Rita in St. Joseph, Amarillo TX
July 11, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training at St. Mark, San Antonio TX
June 20, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of Davenport IA
May 9, 2015 Presentation on Marriage at Good Shepherd, Spring TX (Anselmis)
March 21, 2015 Sponsor Couple training at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, San Antonio TX.
February 14, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training at St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Louis MO.
January 17, 2015 Sponsor Couple Training at St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio TX.
October 24, 2014 Presentation at Irving Convention Center – Diocese of Dallas Ministry project.
September 6, 2014 Presentation to deacons at MACC with Porteles
July 17-17, 2014 NACFLM conference in Dayton OH. Gave Workshop.
May 24, 2014 Winnipeg Canada Sponsor Couple Training.
March 30, 2014 St. Jerome couples to talk about FB&FE.
March 22, 2014 Sponsor Couple training in Dallas (Claudio Mora).
November 2, 2013 Sponsor Couple training in Winnipeg, Canada.
August 24, 2013 Sponsor Couple training St. Francis of Assisi, San Antonio TX
August 20, 2013 – Meeting in Denver with Chuck to promote the use of FB&FE in the diocese.
July 21-24 CDICE (deacons) Conference in Cincinnati – booth for For Better & For Ever.
July 17-20 NACFLM conference in St Louis. Gave Workshop.
January 13-14, 2017. Presentations on marriage preparation for CSSR theology students at Seelos House in Chicago IL.
February 9, 2013 Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of El Paso TX.
October 17, 2012. Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of Winnipeg, Canada.
October 10, 2012. Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of San Bernardino CA.
October 6, 2012. Sponsor Couple Training for Diocese of Biloxi MS.
September 22, 2012. Sponsor Couple training for Diocese of Jackson MS.
September 7, 2012. Biloxi Diocese – presentation to Clergy and Leadership folks.
June 16, 2012. Sponsor Couple Training at St. Mary Parish, Fredricksburg TX.
May 16, 2012. Meeting with family Life Directors at Don & Chris Paglia’s home in New Haven CT.
January 28, 2012. Meeting with Sponsor Couples at St. Laurence in Sugar Land TX.
January 14, 2012. Sponsor Couple Training at Santa Catalina, Tucson AZ.
November 19, 2011. Sponsor Couple Training at St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio TX.
October 29, 2011 – Sponsor Couples training in San Angelo TX for diocese of San Angelo.
August 3 – 6, 2011. NACFLM conference at Marquette University. Workshop on FB&FE.
June 16-18, 2011. San Bernardino CA marriage conference, I am one of the Speakers.
January 21-23, 2011. Hattiesburg MS. Friday AM - Presentation to clergy regarding establishing and sustaining the use of For Better and For Ever in their parishes. Friday PM – Presentation/conversation with Youth Group regarding learning and practicing relationship skills while dating as a key element of marriage preparation. Saturday – Full day of Training for “new” sponsor couples & updating for experience sponsor couples,
Oct 23, 2010, Greensburg PA. Presentation to diocesan gathering on Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan; followed by afternoon with experienced sponsor couples to get additional feedback.
Workshop Presenter “Training Sponsor Couples” at Smart Marriages Conference 2010 Orlando FL.
May 1, 2010. Presentation for Diocese of San Bernardino CA to folks involved in marriage preparation. This was opportunity to use the material I presented at NACFLM workshop in 2009, and see how it would “work.”
Workshops for pastors and lay leaders for the Diocese of Regina in Canada on November 6th & 7th, 2009. John Mungham and his wife Jocelyne came from Calgary AB to help with these workshops designed to answer any questions they might have about using For Better and For Ever in their parishes.
Workshop for Experienced Sponsor Couples to help with project of establishing diocesan trainer for the Diocese of San Angelo TX. These sessions were repeated in three different area of the diocese on 3 separate weekends in September 2009.
Workshop Presenter “Training Sponsor Couples” at SmartMarriages Conference 2009 Orlando FL.
Workshop Presenter “Pastoral Issues of Marrying & Tips for Pastoral Ministers”, Presented at National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers, St. Paul MN, June 26, 2009.
Sponsor Couple Training and meetings with Catechetical Staff. January 2009, San Bernardino CA
Workshop Presenter “Training Sponsor Couples” at Smart Marriages Conference 2008 San Francisco, 2007 Denver, 2006 Atlanta, 2005 Dallas, 2004 Dallas, 2003 Reno, 2002 Washington DC.
Presenter, Sponsor Couple Training 2008: Albuquerque NM, San Angelo TX, Evansville IN, San Bernardino CA, Houston TX, Pittsburgh PA, Laredo TX.
Presenter, Clergy Continuing Education Day, Diocese of El Paso TX. “The Pastoral Challenge of Marriage Preparation & How Married Couples Can Help.” October 2, 2007.
Presenter, Sponsor Couple Training 2007: Raleigh NC, San Angelo TX, El Paso TX, Harrow OT Canada, Odessa TX, Ashtabula OH, Bowling Green KY, San Antonio TX, Beaumont TX, Houston TX, Atlanta GA, Chapel Hill NC, Calgary AB Canada, Guam USA, Hawaii.
Presenter, Sponsor Couple Training 2006: Lytle TX, Sweeny TX, El Paso TX, Castroville TX, Greenwood IN, Houston TX, Ann Arbor MI, Plantersville TX, Baytown TX, Austin TX, Rolla MO, Richmond TX, Salt Lake City UT, San Antonio TX, Scottsdale AZ.
Presenter, Sponsor Couple Training 2005: Tulsa OK, Atlanta GA, Owensboro Ky, Austin TX, Rapid City SD, Victoria BC, El Paso TX, Evansville IN.
Keynote Speaker & Presenter, “Marriage Preparation: Dealing with new challenges.” Owensboro KY, Clergy Study Day, Diocese of Owensboro, September 13, 2005.
Workshop Presenter, “For Better and For Ever and Sponsor Couple Training.” Strengthening Marriage in Nebraska Conference, Lincoln NE, March 5, 2005
Retreat Director, “Personal Spirituality in the 21st century.” St. Catherine of Siena, Parish Staff retreat, Austin TX August 2-4, 2004.
Keynote Speaker, “Marriage in the 21st century.” New Orleans LA, Diocesan Conference for marriage enrichment. February 28, 2004.
Keynote Speaker, “Intimacy/Spirituality and Marriage.” Calgary AB, Diocesan Conference for couples involved in the ministry of marriage preparation, Diocese of Calgary, February 21-23, 2003.
Workshop Presenter, “Marriage Preparation: What your parish can do.” Beaumont TX, Parish Ministries Day, Diocese of Beaumont, September 2001.
Presenter, “9 Days of Reflection on Marriage,” State College PA, Our Lady of Victory Parish, October 14-22, 2000.
Keynote Speaker & Presenter, “Marriage Preparation: Dealing with new challenges.” Banff AB, Clergy Study Days, Diocese of Calgary, October 2-6, 2000.
Presenter, Sponsor Couple Training 2000-2001, Dioceses of: Agana GU, San Bernardino CA, Calgary AB, Winnipeg ON, Tulsa/Oklahoma City OK, Dubuque/Davenport IA, Youngstown/Columbus OH, El Paso/Austin/Houston/San Angelo/Beaumont TX, Little Rock AR, Memphis TN, Pittsburgh/Greensburg/Altoona-Johnstown PA, Evansville IN, Baton Rouge LA.
Task Force Member/author of Marriage Guidelines for Dioceses of Texas, Austin TX, Texas Catholic Conference, September 1994.

PERSONAL BIO:

Rev. Robert A. Ruhnke, C.SS.R., D. Min., is a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1966. In 1967 he became involved in the design and implementation of marriage preparation programs for couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church. In 1975, as Family Life Director for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, he began to train married couples to function as “Sponsor Couples" for couples preparing for marriage. Rob has served as a Pastor for parishes in Texas and Louisiana, and as a Formation Director for theology level seminarians.

In 1996 he began Marriage Preparation Resources (www.marriagepreparation.com) to:

make himself available as a consultant to dioceses & churches who want to set up the For Better and For Ever marriage preparation program.
plan and schedule workshops for the training and enrichment of Sponsor Couples.
make himself available for presentations/workshops for clergy concerning marriage preparation and marriage enrichment.
make himself available “on line” to assist those seeking information about Christian marriage and other personal/faith concerns and questions.

Rob believes that healthy spirituality is the result of giving consistent attention to relationship with God, with other persons, and with one’s self. Living in community with other Redemptorists, daily prayer, investment in relationships with good friends, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and serving the needs of others are key elements of his spirituality. His hobbies include biking and photography. He lives in San Antonio TX.