Marriage Building Parishes
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Friday, June 25, 2010 9:37 PM
This week, I have had the honor and pleasure of being a speaker at the annual National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers meeting at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. They tell me that Cincinnati is a very nice city, but I’ll admit that I haven’t stepped off the campus since I arrived and am headed home tomorrow—so it looks like I’m going to have to plan a return visit to taste the famous Skyline Chili.
Our “mission” this week is to discuss the topic “Marriage Building Parishes: Blueprints and Building Plans. I’m surrounded by Family Life Ministers, Deacons (and Deacon wives!), young adults, Pastoral Associates and scores of marriage and family life related volunteers from around the county and even England and Australia.
In total, I will give three talks to support and encourage the conference attendees in their pastoral and ministerial roles. But the best part of being here has truly been the face-to-face connections with committed members of the Body of Christ who are so passionate about their work and mission. Their energy is contagious, their love inspirational, and their faith a true testament to the beauty of our Church. Being here makes me want to go home and look at ways in which I might volunteer to support the married couples in my own parish.
Today I’d love to hear from you. What does your parish do to support the Sacrament of Marriage and married couples? I’m not just talking about pre-Cana programs here, but rather real life support for real family problems, or even bringing couples together for fun or prayer time. Does your parish offer marriage enrichment, retreats, publications or programs? Do you have social events like dances, parties, auctions, family picnics, or sporting leagues? What would you LOVE to see from your parish that might support you in your vocation to the married life?
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