Celebrating Marriage
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY - FEBRUARY 9TH
NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK - FEBRUARY 7TH-15H
“God himself is the author of marriage.”
Launched in 2010, National Marriage Week USA works to promote the social benefits of marriage (such as greater happiness, better health, reduced poverty, and healthier kids). The US Catholic Council of Bishops, focusing on building a culture of life and love, starting issuing an annual letter for National Marriage Week in 2012. Their theme this year is “Stories from the Domestic Church,” and we wanted to celebrate and share a few of the stories from Parishioners at St. Joseph.
Erin & Jason
Married (almost) 19 years
Erin and Jason met while attending Regis University. They were friends whose shared interests lead them to a deeper relationship and realization God was calling them to the vocation of marriage. They shared, “We could not picture a future without each other.” When they recall their wedding day, the remember the great joy of sharing their love with their family and friends. They are proud to be raising 3 boys aged 10 to 16. When they travel, they enjoy celebrating Mass at different Catholic Churches.
How they keep Christ in their marriage:
“We attending Mass regularly, we pray together and find a spiritual togetherness by spending time outdoors (camping, hiking, biking). We volunteer together within our community as well as staying involved in parish activities. We find that serving others brings us closer together and has always been very important to both of us…Marriage is not easy but it is worth it. God has blessed us with family, friends and a church community that continues to support us on our journey.”
What marriage has taught them about God:
“God’s unconditional, forgiving, and never-ending love is the model we strive for on how to love each other and our family. Patience and perseverance can be hard but we have witnessed God love and mercy within our marriage. Staying close to God is the one thing that has kept us together. ”
Some advice for those discerning marriage:
“You need to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Your spouse should complement your strengths and bolster against your weaknesses. You should not marry someone if you hope that they will change or fill a need or desire of yours.”
What marriage has taught them about love:
“Love is not always easy. Love gives you someone to celebrate the good times with and support you through the hard times. We’ve had a lot of both which has helped us better understand what love is about. Love is not always perfect; it takes a lot of work, dedication, and compromise.”
John & Maria
Married 38 years
John and Maria met while performing the musical “Where’s Charlie?” in high school. Their connection was immediate, and even their director started calling them Romeo and Juliet. Their wedding was a joyous affair with a great band and over 400 of their Irish and Italian relatives and friends celebrating with them. They have one son, Coleman, and enjoy taking family vacations to the beach.
How they keep Christ in their marriage:
“We never miss family prayers and love to attend Mass.”
Some advice for the newly married:
“Use your words wisely. Let each other be who they are. Have many conversations each day. Socialize together and leave parties at the same time. Pray and be grateful always. Don’t compare yourselves to others. Look at yourselves and make a difference together.”
What marriage has taught them about love:
“Love gets better and better...the longer you love.”
Andrew & Sue
Married 61 years
Andrew and Sue were set-up on a blind date by a friend. Thinking back on their wedding day, they remember their vows and the Gregorian chant provided by 18 Benedictine novices. They are proud parents to 3 children and grandparents to 5 grandchildren. One of their favorite family traditions is gathering with their family on Christmas Eve to have the youngest person place the infant Jesus in the creche and singing “Silent Night” together. They credit being raised in the Catholic Faith as the foundation for keeping Christ in their marriage.
What marriage has taught them about God:
“Our lives have been good, blessed in many ways. Praise God for that, along with prayer and earnest work. ”
Some advice for those discerning marriage:
“Take your time. Don’t jump into marriage. It is wise to marry someone of your faith.”
What marriage has taught them about love:
“Love is kind, patient, and wonderful.”