Family Life

FOR THE MARRIED …

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY is observed in February, generally on the Second Sunday of the month.  This year it is February 8, 2009 .  Liturgical suggestions and ideas for celebrating the gifts of Christian marriage and family are provided annually to parishes or individuals.  Go to web site http://wmd.wwme.org and look for WMD:Clergy/FamilyLifepackage.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER weekends offer a couple an opportunity to deepen one’s love relationship with each other and God as well as revitalizing one’s marriage using a technique of loving communication.  The weekend dates for 2008 are: 

For more information call 1-877-NYS-WWME or (716) 537-3162.   For a brochure call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210 or e-mail familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Erie Diocese  

For more information and reservations contact Sue & Ed Hudson at (814) 823-4600  or www.WWME.org.

JUBILERIANS:  Annual Diocesan Recognition of couples celebrating their 50th, 60th and 70 plus anniversaries of marriage.  Celebration includes Mass and reception to follow.  Families are welcome to attend with Honorees.  Mass is signed for person who are deaf or hearing impaired.  Handicap accessible and preferential seating for persons with disabilities is available. 

As part of our Annual Diocesan Recognition, all couples whether they can or cannot attend the Anniversary Mass will receive an Anniversary Scroll signed by Bishop Kmiec in honor and remembrance.  Please contact your local parish for information. 

Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place Sunday, October 18, 2009 at St. Joseph ’s Cathedral.  A reception will follow at the Buffalo Convention Center .  Family and friends are welcome. There is no cost for this event.   HONOREES WILL HAVE THEIR PHOTO TAKEN WITH BISHOP KMIEC.  This photo is a free gift to the honorees as a special remembrance.  There is also an option available for families to have their own family picture taken.  This is only with one’s family NOT with Bishop Kmiec.  Cost is reasonable. For more information contact your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

TEAMS OF OUR LADY is a program that seeks to promote authentic married love that not only leads to God but also to a more intimate and enriching relationship with one’s spouse.  For information/brochures, contact Mike and Vida Frysz at 632-6478 or e-mail  mvfrysz@gmail.com. 

RETROUVAILLE (Rediscovery) is a peer ministry program which con sis ts of a weekend and several follow up sessions focusing on issues related to a couple’s emotional life such as disillusionment, anxiety, lack of communication.  Other areas touched on include forgiveness, healing, conflict, trust, intimacy and sacrament.  This is a Catholic program that welcomes couples of all faith expressions as well.  Over 75% of participating couples are not only still together but definitely have improved their once strained marital relationship.  Go to www.marriagesaved.com for an overview of this program.  The weekend dates for 2008 are: 

All weekends are held at St. Columban Center, Derby .  For more information and registration contact Bill & Jane at 652-7138 or Frank & Ange at 668-9068.  For a brochure call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210 or e-mail familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

FOR YOUR MARRIAGE: The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) provides information and resources about a healthy marriage in general and Catholic marriage in particular.  Offerings include a Daily Marriage Tip, regularly changing features like the monthly Marriage Quiz, Book of the Month review and Marriage in the News.  They continue to add to the content on a regular basis .  Go to this user friendly website: www.foryourmarriage.org.  Click on Caring For Your Marriage, then Resources.

HEART TO HEART:  Heart to Heart PAIRS workshops help married couples learn the tools to communicate skillfully, to problem solve constructively, and to build lasting love in their relationship with their spouse.  The rippling effect benefits their children as well as their family.  PAIRS teaches skills that not only strengthens their marriage but prevents separation or divorce.  Instructors are certified.  THIS IS PROGRAM IS FOR COUPLES WHO ARE MARRIED, NOT THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED.  For more information, contact Dan and Irma at www.hearttoheartworkshops.com or 716 652-1203 or e-mail hearttoheartworkshops@yahoo.com.  

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCHURCH AND INTERFAITH FAMILIES: is dedicated to serving the needs of both Interchurch and Interfaith families.  While aware of some obvious differences between Interchurch couples (people from different Christian traditions) and Interfaith couples (people from different faith traditions) their focus is on what we all have in common and to as sis t couples and families in both groups through many articles, links and their newsletter “Together.”  For more information go to www.naiifonline.org.  

ENRICHMENT:   Programs, workshops or presentations focusing on various topics to support, promote, reinforce and enhance the lived reality of one’s sacrament are offered by contacting your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

RESOURCES:

FAMILY MATTERS:  Family Matters is a collection of resources and inspiration on marriage, parenting and spirituality insights developed by Susan Vogt, nationally recognized Catholic author and speaker.  The marriage section includes articles, recommended books, marriage enrichment programs, home activities, links to related websites and over 200 archived Marriage Moments.  Go to www.SusanVogt,net.  Click on Marriage, then Resources.

Marriage Spirituality Tune Up Packet Available:  Jesus’ first miracle takes place at the Wedding Feast of Cana.  John 2:1-12.  Jesus changes the water into wine – the best wine!  He changes the ordinary into the extraordinary.  Every marriage whether months or 75 plus years has tune up needs.  For your free, practical, useful packet with many suggestions and resources to enrich your marriage, contact your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210 or e-mail at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

Marriage Moments:  Short, concise, practical, helpful ideas to enhance your relationship are provided weekly.  Reference your Chancery newsletter.  Click here for current insight.