December 2022
God wants to transform marriages today. One of the best ways to cooperate with God in that grand vision is to immerse ourselves as couples in praying together with Sacred Scripture. The Scriptures reveal the true story of God’s good creation, and of mankind’s nature, purpose, fall, and rescue. As we are immersed in the grand story that runs from creation to the ultimate restoration of creation in the new heaven and the new earth, we discover how our own stories as individuals and as a married couple with our children are wonderfully woven into that big story.
 
We offer these meditations as a way for couples to stay connected during the hectic Advent season

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas season!

Praying with the Bible as a Couple: Marriage in the Bible will return in January 2023.
Through the generous support of many of you, we have raised $34,000 toward our goal of $75,000. Thank you!

This past summer, Fabiola Sanchez, Administrative Pastoral Assistant in Elizabethtown, KY saw the advertisement in the Communication Center's Catholic Faith Formation Catalog. She emailed me and asked about our Spanish seminar. We spoke via Zoom and I sent her the Spanish materials. Earlier this month, my husband, Marty and I went to visit our son and his fiancé in Evansville, IN. I contacted Fabiola and told her that I would be coming to Evansville and said that I would be willing to drive the 2 hours to Elizabethtown to meet with her and anyone else from the parish to talk about Seminario Matrimonio en Cristo & Marriage in Christ seminars. We agreed to meet.

I spoke with Fabiola, the Associate Pastor, Father Jean Gonzales Romans and Sister Augusta Nickel, Director of Faith Formation.

After much discussion, Father Jean said, “I love this! We need this! Sister, whose permission do we need to do this seminar?” "Only Fr. Michael’s," replied Sister Augusta. "Good, let’s do it!”, said Father Jean.

We need your help to raise $41,000 to continue offering Marriage in Christ seminars and produce Matrimonio en Cristo. You can contribute electronically on our website at www.marriageinchrist.com/supportus or by sending a check to Marriage in Christ, 601 River Ridge Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121."
The Marriage in Christ seminar is changing lives.

There are many more stories of how God is drawing married couples to invite the Holy Spirit into their daily lives.

Your continued support will help us reach more couples.

Please consider a financial contribution today.

May you have a blessed Advent and wonderful Christmas celebration.

Fran Willard
Executive Director
Coming Soon!
Marriage in Christ Seminar for all married couples.

Develop daily habits of prayer, kind actions, and meaningful conversations to grow your relationship. Join us at the Marriage in Christ offices, 601 River Ridge Parkway, Eagan, MN on Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., January 12, 19, & 26, February 2 & 9th.

To register, or for more information, please contact Fran at franwillard@marriageinchrist.com or call the MIC office at 651.395.6828.

Cost is $100 per couple.

Invite a couple today!
Participants in a Marriage in Christ seminar in Goodhue, MN.
Conversation Starters and Loving Actions for Advent

What is your most powerful memory of waiting for something or someone?

What should we do for the poor this season?

What is your favorite Christmas tree memory?

What does simplicity look like for us this Christmas?

Share a favorite Christmas story about your mom and dad.

What is causing stress today? How can I help?

What recent memory makes you smile the most?

What is your favorite place to visit during the Christmas season?

What is your most powerful memory of Christmas with your parents or grandparents?

What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?

Make an Advent wreath together. It is traditional to use four candles, three purple or blue and one pink.

Decorate your home for the season. It is a great way to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation.

Set up a Christmas crèche and tell the Nativity story in your own words.

Use Advent to do anonymous acts of kindness for friends and family.

Run an errand for a friend or family member who needs help this season.

Make a special Christmas treat for friends – consider including the recipe.

Plan a “date night” or “morning coffee.”

Take a ten-minute sanity break: sit and hold hands!

Watch your favorite Christmas movie together.

Do Christmas baking together while you sing Christmas songs.
Follow Marriage in Christ
Come, Holy Spirit, inspire our hearts; inspire couples to desire your presence in their life, marriage, & family. Draw them to you. May we be a vehicle to reveal you to them.