National Marriage Week (7 - 14 February 2009)
Theme
This year’s National Marriage Week runs from 7 to 14 February 2009. The theme is “Celebrating Commitment,” focusing on the way that many couples see marriage, and the need for society at large to continue to celebrate the stability that married families bring to society.
Bishop John's message
Bishop John Hine, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, is Chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Marriage and Family Life.
"While recognising that the history of marriage is more complex than we sometimes think, there is no doubt that a supportive culture is enormously important for married couples. Among like-minded couples, there is an unspoken air of moral support which is invaluable in times of difficulty.
“This sort of implicit support is much less available to married couples today as fewer choose to declare their commitment to each other publicly in marriage. As a Church our response to this situation is not to denounce or criticise, but to work harder to provide the encouragement and the missing support so urgently needed. The recent report of the Good Childhood Inquiry identifies that the relationship, and particularly the communication between parents, is the most significant factor leading to good outcomes for their children. There are organisations within our church, such as Teams of Our Lady, Marriage Encounter and other similar groups, only too ready to help in these areas. I invite everyone to use the opportunity provided by National Marriage Week to publicise and recommend these organisations in our parishes, and get involved, wherever possible and appropriate, with this important work. The example and witness of a healthy marriage is a sign of joy and hope for us all.”
Information and resources
National Marriage Week is:
A platform to encourage people to celebrate, discuss and enhance their marriages.
A week-long opportunity for couples to reflect on their marital relationship, sharing their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, achievements and disappointments.
A time for the wider community to reflect on their own role in supporting couples and creating a more helpful environment within which marriages can thrive.
Links:
Resources from Home is a Holy Place
The Church's Everybody's Welcome initiative: Advice for National Marriage Week
Visit our Marriage and Family Life section
Resources from the Bethany Family Institute
Bethany Family Institute was created to connect those who practise or encourage marriage and family life ministry in the UK & Ireland & elsewhere. It aims to assist clergy, pastoral leaders, educators and catechists to reflect on various ways of serving families more effectively and offers educational opportunities for leaders in family ministry and spirituality.
Marriage counselling
Many couples encounter difficulties at some time or other. Relationships are intensely private and whilst couples can often cope with their difficulties, sometimes they need a little help or support. Often this can come from family or friends. Sometimes a counsellor can be very helpful.
National Marriage Week Celebrations
Cardiff
In Cardiff, Archbishop Peter Smith will be celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage with Mass at All Hallows Parish, Miskin, Llantrisant on Saturday, February 14th at 11.00am.
Contact:
Anne Ballard
Chair, Diocesan Family Life Commission
Tel: 029 20212821
Email: annejim98@yahoo.com
Liverpool
A celebration of Marriage and Family Life will take place within the Sunday Evening Prayer of the Church at the start of National Marriage Week on Sunday 8th February at 3.00pm in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool. Everyone is welcome to take part: young or ageing, married or single, widowed, separated or divorced. The service will be led by Archbishop Patrick Kelly and will include a Commissioning of Area Representatives for marriage and family life.
Contact:
Veronica Murphy
Assistant Coordinator for Faith Formation
Tel: 0151 522 1048
Email: v.murphy@rcaol.co.uk
Nottingham
Fr John Sherrington, Director of the Marriage and Family Life Commission will be offering a Mass of celebration during National Marriage Week in St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham on Monday, 9th February at 7.30pm. All are welcome, especially those who have ever received the sacrament, as well as engaged couples and those experiencing difficulties in their marriage. Representatives of relevant Catholic organisations in the Diocese will be in attendance.
Contact:
Fr John Sherrington
Chair, Marriage and Family Life Commission
Tel: 01332 514107
Email: family.nottingham@btinternet.com
Shrewsbury
In February 2008 the first Diocesan Celebration of Married Life was held during National Marriage Week. Because it was so successful, with over 350 people taking part, a similar celebration will be held in St Columba’s Parish Church, Chester on Saturday, 7th February. Bishop Brian will celebrate Mass at 2.00pm and married couples will be invited to renew their vows to each other. All couples are invited to bring their family and make it a special day out to celebrate their marriage. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the parish centre.
Contact:
Clara Donnelly
Marriage and Family Life Coordinator
Tel: 0151 691 2811
Email: cc.donn@talktalk.net
Launch event - Engage
The Engage programme in the Diocese of Westminster will be launched on Wednesday, 11th February 2009 at 7pm. ‘Engage’ is a resource designed to help Catholic parishes with marriage preparation and offers advice and support to those wishing to marry. Much of the advice offered in the course is relevant to anyone thinking of getting married.
Contact:
Edmund Adamus
Director of the Department for Pastoral Affairs
Tel: 020 7798 9363
Email: edmundadamus@rcdow.org.uk
Further information about the Celebrating Family initiatives is available from:
Elizabeth Davies
Marriage & Family Life Project Officer
Tel 07817 479694
Email: Elizabeth.Davies@cbcew.org.uk