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Marriage
[Pastor]
01/27/2010
By Couturier, George
Dear friends, this weekends scripture readings for Mass includes the very popular and famous passage from Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:31-13:13 that is most often read at weddings (Love is patient, love is kind....). I can't help but think of the many discussions and debates going on around the meaning and purposes of marriage these days. Throughout the country marriages in Catholic churches is significantly down and divorce is still a huge phenomenon. In light of these trends and debates, the American Catholic Bishops have written a pastoral letter about the issues at hand. Also, they have produced a wonderful website that is filled with resources for couples who plan to marry, for those who have been married awhile, for marriages struggling and the core teachings on the meaning and purpose of marriage. Check out their new website: www.foryourmarriage.org and you will find a wealth of information and inspiration.
This past week I was a participant in a "focus group" to discuss options for new programs to prepare couples for marriage. It was exciting to share ideas and hopes for new ways to engage the couples in meaningful conversations prior to their sacramental commitment. Often times couples see this preparation process as a nuisance and a burden...however, I believe we owe it to couples to help unpack the meaning of what they are taking on.
In early February, we will be presenting at all Sunday Masses the opportunity to make a Marriage Encounter. It is a weekend experience for a married couple to step back, look and celebrate their commitment in a retreat setting. What a wonderful Valentine gift a couple could give to each other.
On another topic, if you are a church news junky, I just stumbled upon a neat website called www.romereports.com an international news agency providing video news, features and documentaries services to TV stations, run by the non-profit Italian organization, Fondazione Perseus.
We will be hearing for a long time about the sad effects of the earthquake in Haiti. In the midst of the horrific images and soundbites, there are multiple stories of hope, compassion and victories from heroic people. There is one story of a local priest and his efforts, over the years, with his ministry in Haiti. Father Rick Frechette who grew up in the Hartford area and is a Passionist Priest and physician and involved in significant work helping the young and running a clinic. If you would like to learn more about his work and ministry, I would direct you to his website: www.compassionweavers.com and discover a wealth of information and inspiration.
