"Couples who are living faithful lives of mutual love and support - though not without difficulties - have the gratitude of the whole Church."
- Follow the Way of Love-NCCB 1993, p.15.
Welcome. The Parish is where our married couples live, pray and receive the support of the Church. Parishes wishing to support married couples extend the heart and hands of Christ. There are many simple things you can do to enrich and support the married couples in your parish. We hope some of the resources and ideas here will help you as you seek to offer support to your couples.
10 Things Your Parish Can Do For Marriage:
Bulletin: List times/dates of programs offered in our diocese (ex: The Third Option, Marriage Encounter)
Vestibule Rack: Offer pamphlets and books on how to have a better marriage (ex: "The Five Love Languages", "10 Great Dates")
Prayer of the Faithful: Include a monthly petition for some aspect of marriage. (ex: "For all the married couples in our parish that they may have the grace to live out their sacrament in love and joy..." or "For married couples who are hurting, that they will find the help and support they need..." or for: newlyweds, widows/widowers, parents to be role models, etc.)
Bulletin: Put in monthly inserts, ex: hints on marriage or resources such as web sites & counseling suggestions in the bulletin.
"Marriage Hall of Fame": In February, ask parishioners who are celebrating a special marriage anniversary this year (ex:5, 10, 25, 30, 40, 50) to submit a picture of their wedding for the parish bulletin board. (Decorate accordingly)
Renewal of Vows: Once a year, celebrate a renewal of vows at a special mass. (If it is at a regularly scheduled mass be sure to "warn" people well in advance so separated/divorced, etc. can avoid it)
Socials: Once or twice a year offer dinners/dances for the married couples in the parish (Have the youth group help)
Five Love Languages Program: Available in the resource center @ 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse (315)472-6752.
Ten Great Dates: Available in the resource center @ 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse (315)472-6752.
Baptismal Prep: Include a marriage strengthening piece.
Interested in printing this bookmark? Click on it!
Groups and Classes you can publicize:
The Third Option- teaches skills to improve communication, handle anger and conflict, and build a strong marriage
Marriage Encounter- a weekend to deepen married love and make a good marriage even better
Resources
Family Life had put a variety of marriage materials in the Resource Center, 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse; (315) 472-6752.
These below and many others are available for individuals and couples to borrow.
"The Five Love Languages" - book and DVD
"10 Great Dates" - book
"Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships" - video series
Feature Article
Want to Become a "Marriage Building Church"?
"Parish Support for Hurting Couples" by Patricia Crane Ennis, L.M.S.W.
(c) 2009 Patricia Crane Ennis
A Story
Marge Stopped me one morning after mass and asked me for a Third Option program brochure for a friend experiencing marital problems. Less than a month later I saw Marge again so I inquired about her friend. "It's all over!" she blurted. "It's so sad."
"That was fast," I observed. "What happened?"
Marge explained. "She and her husband went to see someone at her church and he told them, 'You can't put Humpty Dumpty back together again' so they're getting a divorce."
Just like that another marriage was lost.
To read more and learn how to "Become a Marriage Building Church" click here
For discussion questions that go along with this article click here.
Another Way Parishes Can Strengthen Marriages
The Love Dare Bible Study - Are you still waiting to fireproof the marriages in your church? This fall is the ideal time for your church or small group to go through The Love Dare Bible Study. Thousands of Christian couples are already enjoying a new level of commitment and love in their marriage. To order The Love Dare Bible Study, call 800-458-2772. go to www.lifeway.com/fireproof, or visit the LifeWay Christian Store serving you.
We're offering a combination Marriage Enrichment/Mentor Training for Pre-Cana Couples to anyone who wishes to attend. Our experience is that these are lively and interesting sessions that are enjoyable for everyone. Whether or not a couple chooses to become involved in Pre-Cana ministry, they will have had a renewal of their own marriage. If you know anyone in the parish who could benefit from this, please feel free to invite them. If you want to enhance the skills of couples who are already involved in pre-cana or add new couples to your team, this is the place to send them.
You may preview the new marriage preparation outlines and couple discussion guides that are available free on our marriage preparation for ministry page
Could you please put the following announcement in your bulletin for Sept. 11 or 18...
Keep the Fire Burning! A lively and interesting date night for married couples of all ages to spend time together exploring all aspects of their relationship and renewing their love for one another. For those who are interested, there will also be an opportunity to become Mentor couples to work with the engaged. Five Mon. evenings 7-9 p.m. at Seton Catholic Central High School starting October 3rd. Contact Colligans at 748-4743 or jcolligan@stny.rr.com to register.
Could you put the following announcement in your bulletin for Sept. 25...
Date night for married couples of all ages...Keep the Fire Burning!. A time to relax and enjoy one another as you explore all aspects of your relationship. No writing, just quiet discussion with one another. Five Monday evenings, 7-9 p.m. at Seton Catholic Central High School starting October 3rd. Contact Colligans at 748-4743 or jcolligan@stny.rr.com to register.
Additional Program Opportunities
Contact: Family Life Office 748-4743
Additional programs are also available from the Southern Tier Family Life Office. We are available to speak in parishes throughout the region about a variety of topics that include the following:
Parenting skills for Catholic Families
Marriage Enrichment Evenings
Grandparent/Grandchild - offering new ideas to grandparents to aid in the faith formation of their grandchildren
