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"Let marriage be held in honour by all..." Hebrews 13.4  National Marriage Week takes place from 7th-14th February so this month we are asking parishes to consider how they can be more marriage-friendly. What does it mean in practical terms to show welcome and appreciation for the vocation of marriage? During Listening 2004 families spoke frequently of the importance of marriage and the work that parishes could do to support couples:
The sanctity of married sexual love was highlighted as an area that deserved affirmation and exploration, with attention given especially to symbolism, spirituality, forgiveness and trust. Marriage support and enrichment was considered to be best offered from within a strong and vibrant parish community, ideally placed to offer couples a life-time of nurturing and encouragement."
(Not Easy But Full of Meaning #204)
Here are a few suggestions:
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Provide booklists for couples under different topics, remembering that marriage experiences many seasons and challenges over a lifetime.
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Ask parish couples what they would like - and how they can help provide it.
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Have a section for enriching marriages on your church website - linking to good marriage-supporting websites, articles that can be accessed through the internet, Christian counselling organisations and organisations that provide marriage courses, retreats and special days for couples.
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Have a church notice-board with posters and leaflets for couples.
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Start a library of marriage videos, books and resources for people to borrow.
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Find out what some of these organisations can offer your parish couples
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More resources for National Marriage Week
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Visit the Home
is a Holy Place website for more resources
Read what happened at St Thomas More's Swiss Cottage
 A Service for National Marriage Week from Shrewsbury Diocese
A flyer from Arundel & Brighton
A Liturgy by Marriage Care for a National Marriage Week Mass
Further online resources on Marriage
Movement of Continuous Prayer for Marriage
Students Exploring Marriage
2-in-2-1
Care for the Family
Holy Trinity Brompton's Marriage Course |
