So are we becoming a Marriage-Building Parish?

It is a question for ALL of us. As we enter the 8th month of our Initiative, how is SJE becoming a “Marriage-Building Parish” during the Year of Faith? The Initiative involves 8 building blocks...each with multiple, individual goals. Some goals are noted below. And we have more work to do. Can you help us? Read more & volunteer your time and talents at www.stjohnparish.org/mbp.php


Building Leadership

1.Declare the "Marriage-Building Parish in the Year of Faith" initiative.
2. Provide ongoing catechesis, education and formation, in light of the authentic teaching of the Church, on why marriage is the union of one man and one woman and why this institution needs to be promoted and protected in society.
3. Review all parish ministries to make sure they are marriage-friendly.

Forming Youth and Young Adults

1. Implement faith formation programs and catechetical curriculum for youth that includes components at every level that address healthy, chaste relationships and the vocation of marriage.  UPCOMING PROGRAM:  March 11th - Kent & Coleen Kelly Mast present "Growing Up" parent/child workshop

2. Provide ongoing witness by married couples to the youth about the joys and struggles of the Sacrament of Marriage.

3. Develop a Young Adult ministry focused on positive opportunities for growth in relationships and vocation, and the meanings of covenant, sacrifice, faithfulness and openness to life. We're looking for young adults (ages 19-23) who can help launch this ministry!  Email us if you're interested.

Preparing for Sacramental Marriage

1. Implement the use of the Fully Engaged pre-marital inventory.
2. Provide mentoring before and after the wedding day.
3. Establish a prayer ministry for brides.  Please let us know if you would like to be a prayer partner!

Creating a Culture of Life

1. Highlight the inseparability of the unitive and procreative meanings of married love. UPCOMING PROGRAM: February 17th - Natural Family Planning Open House
2. Provide resources and encouragement for parents in crisis.
3. Utilize sacramental preparation as a time to teach parents how to effectively live out their vocation as primary educators of their children.  COMING SOON: Our local chapter of Elizabeth Ministry presents Sacred Steps.  Email us to get involved with this program!

Strengthening the Married

1. Renew and enrich married couples by highlighting resources to develop a happy and holy marriage.  Please refer to past links provided in this blog.
2. Provide formal and informal faith formation opportunities to delve into the Catechism of the Catholic Church and church documents from Vatican II.
3. Develop a fellowship and support ministry for those who have been married less than 5 years.  We're in the planning stages and would love your input and involvement.  Email us for more information.

Pastoral Caring

1. Implement a "Marriage Care" plan for couples in crisis.
2. Improve awareness of resources related to domestic abuse, child abuse, post-abortion healing, and hurting marriages.

Divorce Healing

1. Implement a support ministry for persons going through the trauma of separation and divorce.  MEETING NOW:  Divorce & Beyond support group
2. Improve awareness of resources related to divorce healing.

Worshipping and Prayer

1. Designate monthly "Marriage-Building Sundays" to celebrate anniversaries.  View schedule of Marriage-Building Sundays
2. Regularly pray for those who marriages have faced difficulties and that marriage, as the permanent and exclusive union of one man and one woman, be protected and promoted in our society and culture.  Submit your prayer request to be brought before our Lord in the Adoration Chapel.
3. Offer opportunities to pray for marriage as a community as well as in-home resources to help families pray together.  UPCOMING PROGRAMS:  Holy Hour for Marriage, Stations of the Cross for Married Couples and Children's Rosary