Fathers devoted to their families often are unsung heroes, and their impact on children can be immense In today’s culture, fathers often are the unsung heroes of our families. We hear a lot about single mothers and their children but very little about the fathers who stay. We don’t read …
Marriage enrichment: Building peace begins in our families
Important message of Pope Francis should enter our hearts at home, then spread throughout the world On Easter Sunday, during Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing in St. Peter’s Square, he asked that his message of peace enter into people’s hearts and “go out to every house and every …
Marriage enrichment: Savvy marital advice––celebrate humor
Laughter a key ingredient in growing a relationship; children offer top 10 tips for good spousal friendship The 2013 Marriage Celebrations with Bishop Stika are over for the year and planning for the 2014 celebrations has begun. During his homilies at the three celebrations this year Bishop Stika shared a …
Marriage enrichment: Make significant days a family affair
Holidays, feast days are ways parents can establish traditions that can be handed down to children Recently, a dear friend of mine gave me a gift of Irish-themed kitchen items. She gave them to me because she knows that I love St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day has been an …
Stewardship in love and marriage
February is an appropriate time to enhance the beauty, faith, sacrifice, and joy of marital relationships The January edition of The East Tennessee Catholic contained an insert describing the purpose and focus of the 2013 Bishop’s Appeal Campaign. The title of the campaign is “Love Never Fails,” and the idea …
Marriage enrichment: Learning to let go is a difficult lesson
Mary set the example in loving her child with an open hand, allowing Jesus the freedom to grow By Marian Christiana Learning to let go can be a challenge for all of us, especially when it comes to our children. Years ago, when our children were young and starting school, …
Holiday togetherness occurs in many ways
By the time you read this my family will have already celebrated Thanksgiving dinner together. Our family couldn’t all be together on Thursday, Nov. 22, so we celebrated early. This might have seemed strange to me at an earlier time in my life but now it makes perfect sense. Thanksgiving …
‘Hope Springs’ eternal when saving a marriage
My position as coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment gives me an opportunity to explore material that could be beneficial to engaged couples as well as to long-term married couples. The material comes from many sources, and some of the best sources are personal suggestions from …
Know how to assist spouses who grieve
By Marian Christiana In May, a dear friend of ours lost her 15-month battle with cancer. Eileen and her husband, Paul, had been married for 30 years. We have been friends with Paul since we were teenagers and we continue to try to support him as much as possible. Sometimes …
