Marriage Ministry
Investing in Your Marriage
Marriage is not only a covenant between husband and wife — it is a sacrament, a living sign of Christ’s love for His Church. Like all vocations, it is strengthened when we intentionally nurture it. Research and experience show that couples thrive when they devote at least 8 hours each year to marriage enrichment.
Think of these hours as spiritual and relational “maintenance” — opportunities to pause, reconnect, and invite Christ more deeply into your life together.
Why Marriage Enrichment Matters
Daily life can be busy and distracting, but strong marriages don’t just happen by accident. They grow when couples choose to keep investing in one another.
“Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.”
— Romans 12:10
Just as athletes train to stay strong and musicians practice to stay sharp, couples need regular habits of enrichment to keep their love vibrant.
Wisdom from John Paul II
Pope St. John Paul II dedicated much of his teaching to the beauty of marriage and family life. His words continue to inspire couples today:
- “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.”
- “As the family goes, sogoes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
- “Love that leads to marriage is a gift from God and a great act of faith toward other human beings.”
- “Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family — a domestic church.”
His vision reminds us that when we invest in our marriages, we are also investing in the future of our families, our parish, and the wider Church.
Practical Ways to Enrich Your Marriage
Reaching 8 hours of enrichment each year is easier than it sounds. Here are a few simple, life-giving options:
- Attend a marriage retreat or workshop offered by the parish or diocese.
- Join a small group study on marriage or family life.
- Plan a monthly “date night” with intentional conversation, prayer, or faith-sharing. Tip: Use our Marriage Mondays Email as a resource.
- Pray together daily — even just 5 minutes can transform your relationship.
- Read a book on Catholic marriage and discuss it together.
Each of these moments allows grace to flow into your marriage, helping you grow closer to one another and to Christ.
A Call to Action
Your marriage is worth the investment. Whether your relationship feels strong and joyful, or whether you are carrying burdens and difficulties, marriage enrichment is for you. By setting aside just 8 intentional hours each year, you can strengthen the foundation of your marriage and renew the joy of your vocation.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”
— Ephesians 5:25
At Sacred Heart, we are committed to walking with couples at every stage of their journey. Explore our enrichment opportunities, join an upcoming event, or start with one small step today.
Marital Health Data
All married couples were invited to complete a short survey to help us better understand and strengthen the relationships within our parish. We are committed to conducting this survey annually so that our Marriage Ministry can continue to grow with and respond to the needs of our couples.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your perspective. Your responses will guide us in serving you more effectively and in building stronger marriages and a stronger parish community here at Sacred Heart.
SEPTEMBER 2025 MARITAL HEALTH SURVEY DATA
Upcoming Events
- RAM Marriage Retreat – February 28 (more details coming soon)
Couples In Need
If you and your spouse are facing serious struggles, please know you are not alone. The Church desires to walk with you and offer hope. For additional support, we invite you to visit our Marriage 911 page for confidential resources and guidance.
