This week we celebrate fifth year of National Marriage Week (February 7-14), World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 9) and Valentine’ Day (February 14).

These upcoming observances provide an opportunity to celebrate Jesus’ love demonstrated through the love of husband and wife - gift and blessing of marriage.  As we approach these upcoming celebrations we share guidance offered by the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.  

Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty – A prayerful invitation is extended to fast and pray for the ongoing work in building a culture of life and marriage and the protection of religious liberty.  During National Marriage Week, dioceses and parishes are encouraged to promote Friday February 7 as a day of fasting and abstinence for the particular intention of a greater reverence for the gift of marriage and family, and for the healing of those suffering from troubled or broken marriages, especially children. More information on the Call to Prayer is available at www.usccb.org/pray.           

For Your Marriage and Por Tu Matrimonio, resources can be found in English and Spanish for couples who are married or planning for marriage at www.ForYourMarriage.org   and www.PorTuMatrimonio.org.            Both sites also run Facebook pages, which will provide daily content during National Marriage Week: www.facebook.com/foryourmarriage and www.facebook.com/PorTuMatrimonio.

Marriage: Unique for a Reason  – Video and print materials and other educational and catechetical resources that present the beauty and explain the uniqueness of marriage as the permanent, faithful, and fruitful union of one man and one woman can be found at www.MarriageUniqueforaReason.org.           

World Marriage Day, now in its 32nd consecutive year received the Apostolic Blessing of Bl. Pope John Paul II in 1993. Resources for celebrating World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9), sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, are available at http://wmd.wwme.org.       

National Marriage Week USA, in its fifth year, is a collaborative effort to influence the culture by faith communities, business, media, education, and non-profit groups. It promotes marriage as a benefit to husbands and wives and to the nation, as well as the best environment in which to raise children. Information and resources are at http://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org.  Consider adding marriage programs, including conferences and retreats, to the national calendar facilitated by National Marriage Week USA.

Experiencing marital difficulties?  Visit ForYourMarriage.org article “Finding Help When Your Marriage in Trouble.” It offers a range of options for couples.  For more information contact Marriage Ministries at 214 528 2360 or www.cathdal.org

VIDEO: Saying I Do: What Happens at a Catholic Wedding: This video walks you through the Rite of Marriage, whether you’re marrying another Catholic, a baptized person who is not Catholic, or someone who is not baptized. It also answers several FAQs about Catholic weddings. Ideal for engaged couples, their families and anyone who is involved in Catholic marriage preparation.