Many parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are helping married and engaged couples grow in their vocation as National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) approaches, highlighted by World Marriage Day on Sunday, Feb 9. and Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, these heartfelt observances are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.
“The role of husband and wife is always the most important role that you will ever have in your life,” said Father John Gibbons, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2010 after the passing of his dear wife Kimberly. He is a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown living in the Philadelphia region.
He goes on to say that being good husbands and wives “means date nights, getting somebody to take care of the kids and setting aside free time so that you can fill up that love tank with each other and reconnect.”
Though married couples may feel guilty about spending time alone without the kids, Father Gibbons says that being good spouses teaches their children invaluable lessons in unconditional love, which they’ll carry throughout their lives.
Father Gibbons will speak at the Feb. 8 “Celebrate Marriage Night” event at St. Aloysius Church in Pottstown. The evening starts with 5:15 p.m. Mass and renewal of marriage vows with Father Gibbons as celebrant, followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. and a reflection by the priest during dessert.
Of his reflection, Father Gibbons said, “I’ll be comparing my life experiences as a husband to being a priest.”
He’ll compare the sacrifices required by both vocations to sustain interpersonal relationships, whether with a wife and family or with parishioners.
Both require “sharing the good times together and tough times together,” he said.
Monica and Dave Ryan, a married couple and parishioners at St. Ann Parish in Phoenixville, have led a Cana Ministry at their parish for 10 years.
The Ryans, parents of four daughters, felt a call to support married couples and enrich marriages through monthly “Cana Date Night” gatherings.
A typical gathering consists of a shared meal, fellowship with other couples, and private time for couples, as well as prayer and focus on an aspect of sacramental marriage. Couples range from newlyweds to those celebrating their golden jubilee or marriages.
“It really has grown into a beautiful ministry over the years,” said Monica Ryan. “Strong marriages build strong families, which build strong parishes. Strong parishes build strong communities.”
For the second year, their ministry is holding a special Cana Date Night Mass and Dinner on Feb. 7 at nearby Holy Trinity Church in Phoenixville. Mass with renewal of sacramental marriage vows will be celebrated in the church at 6 p.m. with Father Daniel Arechabala, pastor of St. Ann, followed by a catered meal in the Holy Trinity gymnasium.
“What we’re hoping to create is an environment where couples can connect with each other,” Ryan.
Reflection questions will be on the tables at dinner for couples who wish to “go a little bit deeper, reflect or pray together,” she said.
Couples can learn more and register for the event through Sunday, Feb 2. Registering couples can share their wedding song, which will be added to the music playlist for the evening. Couples are welcome to dance to their wedding song, or any song which is meaningful to them.
The archdiocese’s Office for Life and Family works to uphold the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of marriage, offering marriage preparation programs, weekend retreats, and other resources.
Marriage preparation programs help engaged couples build a solid foundation for marriage, focusing on their commitment to each other and to God.
The office provides the six steps for marriage preparation on their website at https://phillycatholiclife.org/marriage-and-family/preparing-for-marriage/
The office is also offering the fourth annual “Marriage Enrichment Day” on Saturday, March 29 at St. Helena Church in Blue Bell. Speakers Dr. Laura Sicola and husband Larry DeMarco will speak about the five love languages and listening to understand.
For more information click to see the flyer. To register, click here. Questions? Email James Flanagan at jflanagan@archphila.org.For couples struggling in marriage, often feeling anger and frustration, the Retrouvaille Weekend at Malvern Retreat House Feb. 14-16 can offer hope and healing.
Retrouvaille helps couples learn how to communicate in more meaningful ways, gain new insights into themselves as individuals and as couples, and rebuild emotional connections. For more information, visit the Retrouvaille website at https://helpourmarriage.org/
or call 800-470-2230.
Below is a listing of other events across the archdiocese celebrating marriage and spousal love.
Friday, Feb. 7, 6:30 -9:00 p.m.
Valentines Dinner for Married and Engaged Couples: Married, Engaged, Newlywed?
Take time to celebrate your marriage or upcoming wedding with a delicious catered dinner, followed by a spiritually enriching talk. This event is sure to be a blessing for your marriage or future marriage.. Don’t delay, seating is limited.
Location: Mater Dei School Cafeteria/Gym, 493 E Main St, Lansdale, PA (Parking is around back, entrance on E. 3rd Street).
More info: Doors open at 6:00pm. Cost is $60 per couple / Dinner is B.Y.O.B. To learn more and to register, visit: ststanislaus.com/. Questions, call 215-939-6732.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Valentine Twilight Evening of Reflection
Enjoy a special dinner in the Family Life Center followed by a presentation with guest speakers George and Kathy Palilonis and evening prayers, benediction and adoration with Malvern Retreat House’s rector Father Mike Davis.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern
More Information: Visit https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/valentine-twilight-evening-of-reflection/
Sábado 15 de febrero
Movimiento Juan XXIII Celebra el Día Internacional del matrimonio
Lugar del Evento: Iglesia San Joaquín, 1527 Church Street, Philadelphia PA 19124
Más información: Ver el volante promocional; $50 por pareja – Compra tus tiquetes contactando a: Diana Zuluaga 954-296-1420 o Dulce Benítez 267-356-3392
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