May 2019
Greetings!

The trees are budding, flowers are blooming and Spring is in the air!

As we continue to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (remember, the Easter season lasts for 50 days!), we have selected articles for this issue of  Marriage Matters  which we hope will breathe new life into your relationship with each other and with God. 

And as we celebrate the vocation of motherhood in a special way this month, we rejoice in the fact that Jesus’ final gift to us from the cross was His mother, Mary. May is a beautiful time to reflect on what it means to honor her and to bring her into our homes.

Easter season blessings to you and your family,

Lisa Everett
Director for Marriage & Family Ministry
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Date night and the leaven of communion
It doesn't come easy, but building the leaven of communion transforms everything — it nourishes us to be for one another, not just  with one another.
The secret to jump starting your marriage when it's in a rut
If we feel that our relationship is in a rut, if we no longer enjoy being with that person we vowed to give our life to, if we have a hard time keeping up our enthusiasm, it’s a warning sign telling us to take action. What can we do to make the flame of love burn brighter?
What the month of May means to Catholics, and how to honor it in your home
May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here are 10 ways you can make your home bloom with Mary’s love:
Leaning on God: the power of praying together
An arch is a good analogy for Christian marriage, in which an individual man and woman, each with their own weaknesses, lean on Christ, and He holds their whole relationship together.
Millenial couples are trending away from this thing that's good for your marriage
Money. It’s one of the three things, along with religion and politics, considered rude to talk or ask about. So it’s no wonder that money is often a tricky topic for couples.
couple_married.jpg
Marriage Tip of the Month

Thank your spouse for something s/he does for you, especially on a daily basis.
A text mid-day or a welcome home “thank you” goes a long way.
Upcoming Events
Holy Spirits Pilgrimage
on the Bourbon Trail
Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, 2019
Abbey of Gethsemani & Bourbon Trail, Kentucky
The Abbey of Gethsemani , the Trappist monastery where  Thomas Merton  was a monk, is nestled in the heart of the Bourbon Trail, the historical epicenter of bourbon production. Come renew your spirit on this young adult pilgrimage which will explore the intersection of faith and culture, sacred and profane, spiritual and physical refreshment. For more information and to register, go to  https://www.versoministries.com/calendar/holyspirits-fwsb19
Called & Gifted Workshop
Friday, June 14, 7:00pm - 9:00pm &
Saturday, June 15, 8:30am - 5:00pm
St. John Paul II Center,
1328 W Dragoon Trail Mishawaka
God has called and gifted you for a mission. When you were baptized, you were given the presence of the Holy Spirit and charisms, gifts of the Holy Spirit that enable you to be a channel of God's love, truth, beauty, mercy, healing, and provision for others. The charisms that you have been given are important clues to your God-given mission in life and Holy Spirit empowered tools to enable you to live it.

Come join us to begin the discernment process for your charisms and gain insight into your mission and purpose!

The workshop includes videos from the  Catherine of Siena Institute , small group discussion, a spiritual gifts inventory, and lunch on Saturday. Participants must attend both days.
Cost: $20 (includes lunch)


Stay Connected!
Ministries
ava's grace
Spiritual, emotional and practical support to families suffering miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

Miriam's Blessing

Comprehensive support to parents who receive a poor prenatal diagnosis, provided through three distinct phases: the pregnancy, the birth, and postpartum.

NFP: Local Resources

Diocesan approved classes and resources for Natural Family Planning

Project Rachel
Post-abortion reconciliation program offering hope and healing through God who is love and mercy.