Beginning Monday, February 7, the church celebrates National Marriage Week, which is an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and family.  This year’s theme is “Called to the Joy of Love.”  Go online at foryourmarriage.org and check out different articles and resources that can help you in your vocation of marriage.

Here is a prayer for married couples I found on the website:

Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

If you are looking for renewal in your marriage and a way to strengthen and increase your love for your spouse and your family, perhaps signing up for the Messy Project on February 11 and 12 is the way to go.  You can find information about this on our website or in the bulletin. Mike and Alicia Hernon will share from their heart their life experiences that will help you strengthen family life and enable you to better create a Catholic culture in your homes.  Sign up online or with the QR code, thanks!

When I meet with couples preparing for marriage I tell them that any time spent on marriage preparation is not wasted.  We need every moment we spend on preparing our hearts for the sacrament of Matrimony.  The same is true when it comes to the other side of the wedding day.  Any time spent on enriching your vocation and remembering what your love is based on is no time wasted.

Let’s pray for all married couples in a special way this week.  Thank you for your witness of love and commitment and the gift of life and love you share in this community!

May God’s peace and joy be with you!

Fr. Jeremy

Ps.  Thank you to all who made Catholic School’s week a success!  It was a great week and was fantastic having Mrs. Dougherty back in the school! Praise God!