Couple Prayer: Stations of the Cross

As you review your Lenten journey thus far, how do you measure up?  Have you successfully given up a comfort in order to better focus on the greater good of God's plan?  As we know, Lent is not just about giving up comforts.  Lent is also a time to increase acts of charity.  And in the spirit of the Marriage-Building Parish Initiative, we must ask: "What have you given up or taken up to improve your marriage...especially during the season of Lent?"

Joseph A. Breig writes "Married couples are sometimes unaware that suffering is one of their great home-made tools for sanctity. It is looked upon as an annoyance, but Christian marital love necessarily involves suffering, for the essence of unity is not so much to enjoy each other, but to suffer together. Still joy and suffering are not two sides of a unity called love. What was once "desire" before marriage becomes "offering" after marriage." > Read More

We invite you to meditate of Jesus' suffering with your spouse and the larger faith community at St. John the Evangelist on Friday, March 15th.  The Catholic Family Institute will lead the Friday evening prayer with "Stations of the Cross for Married Couples" at 7:00 PM in the Church.  Each station will feature a reading and reflection that will lend itself to further discussion with your spouse.  Singles, engaged couples and children are welcome and encouraged to participate as well.

Perhaps you'll have to give up an opportunity to socialize with friends or catch up on your favorite television program by heading to church on a Friday evening.  However, praying this centuries old devotion with a focus on the unique vocation of marriage with your spouse is bound to bring God's plan for your relationship into better focus.

Can't join us?  For other recommendations on observing Lent with your spouse, visit the USCCB's website "For Your Marriage"