January 24, 2020

What’s your spouse’s favorite treat? See if you guessed right. Now you’ve got an idea for a little way to show love; it’s just a matter of when you surprise your beloved with it.

January 22, 2020

Today is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. St. John Paul II said, “Marriage is the sanctuary of life.” We grieve the loss of so many lives to abortion. Do something pro-life today: pray together for the protection of human life or visit a sick, elderly, or disabled person. Little actions of kindness build a culture of life.

January 21, 2020

Fighting Fair Tip: Keep it current. One couple has the rule of thumb that any issue older than the milk in the refrigerator is no longer game. Recurring arguments usually mean that there’s something behind the present problem that irks the other.

January 20, 2020

“Where you invest your love, you invest your life.” (Marcus Mumford) Is your love invested in the most important parts of your life – God, your spouse, your children? Take a moment to evaluate.

January 19, 2020

“Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” (Ps 40:8a, 9a) When’s the last time you and your spouse have prayed together to know God’s will for your family? Spend time today asking the Lord what more he has to teach you. Pray to be always ready to do His will.

January 18, 2020

Marriage is not just about sharing a physical life together, but calling each other on to holiness. It is not always easy to keep Christ at the center of your marriage, so pray for the grace to help your spouse to heaven.

January 17, 2020

Sometimes spouses have different conversation goals. Be aware of your styles of communication as well as the direction of your conversation – whether you want to vent, bring clarity to a problem, or get a new viewpoint on a tough situation.

January 16, 2020

Give yourself a break today or tomorrow – from kids, a chore, worries. It doesn’t have to be long to refresh. Take your cue from God, our Creator, who rested on the seventh day.

January 15, 2020

Do your kids drain you of so much energy that you just want to stay home and veg out on a Saturday night? Consider sharing kids! Offer to take another couple’s child(ren) one night to give them a break. Then trade the favor the next week. Or if you don’t have kids, give your friends with kids the generous gift of babysitting.

January 14, 2020

“Marriage is a lifelong partnership of the whole of life.” (USCCB, Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan) Partnership here means sharing in life together, helping each other, journeying together toward heaven. Does that describe your marriage?

January 13, 2020

Jesus often reminds his disciples not to be afraid: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt 14: 27) We are human, however, and we still have fears. What are you afraid of? Share your fears with your spouse, and encourage each other.

January 12, 2020

“Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” (Mt 3:13) Remember your baptism today, and that of your children. Look at pictures and share memories. Are you a godmother or godfather? Pray for your godchild today.

January 11, 2020

Winning an argument is not about proving you’re right. It’s not YOUR problem or MY problem. It’s OUR problem. Sometimes the marriage can win if you lose.

January 10, 2020

Parenting can be a joy but can also put stress on a marriage. Parenting young children can be physically demanding, and parenting teens might be emotionally draining. Take time today to reconnect with your spouse.

January 9, 2020

“Then they abandoned their nets and followed [Jesus].” (Mk 1:18) The apostles were ready to leave their work to follow Jesus. Work is necessary to pay bills and raise kids, but sometimes our job can steal time needed for our vocation – marriage. Ask your spouse if your work is in balance.

January 8, 2020

Does your job rob you of couple time? Are you “married” to your job? For those whose work is in the home (both paid and unpaid), consider the same questions. Does taking care of your children or your volunteer work consume so much time that no energy or time is left for your beloved? Readjust.

January 7, 2020

Even if it’s not your cup of tea, sometimes it’s worth doing something with your spouse, just because it pleases the other person. For example, watch her favorite movie or his favorite sport, try dancing together, take a lesson…

January 6, 2020

What makes a happy marriage? Many things of course, but one glue that helps a lot of couples is being able to laugh when things go wrong. Is there a blunder that happened in your past that you’re now able to laugh about?

January 5, 2020

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.” (Mt 10: 11) Spend some time today as a family basking in the joy of Christmas. Visit a nativity scene and pray together.

January 4, 2020

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Phil 2:10) Catholics have always held the name of Jesus in high esteem. Do you give His name the precious devotion and reverence He deserves?

January 3, 2020

Today we celebrate Sts. Basil and Gregory Nazianzen-bishops, theologians, and also close friends. Pray that God will bring holy friends into you and your spouse’s lives this year.

January 2, 2020

We begin each calendar year by celebrating the divine maternity of Mary. Today, reflect on the mystery of the incarnation, just as Mary did.

December 30, 2019

“How is marriage a mystery?  The two have become one.  This is not an empty symbol.  They have not become the image of anything on earth, but of God Himself.” – John Chrysostom

December 29, 2019

Happy Feast of the Holy Family! Today’s celebration should prompt us to think of how we can imitate the holy family, but also how we can bring Christ into our families. What will you do today?

December 28, 2019

Today we remember the holy innocents Herod killed in his search for Jesus. Pray for couples mourning the loss of a child this Christmas season. Consider reaching out just to say you’re praying for them.

December 27, 2019

Advice from today’s saint, John the evangelist: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God” (1 John 3:1)

December 26, 2019

Right after Christmas, the Church celebrates the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. May the joy of Christmas strengthen us to proclaim the good news of Christ’s coming, just like St. Stephen did.

December 25, 2019

Today we are reminded that when God came to Earth, he choose to live in the midst of a family. Be thankful for your family today as you celebrate the baby Jesus!

December 24, 2019

Christmas Trees have been used and loved by Catholics for centuries. Consider gathering your family to bless your Christmas tree before you start your Christmas Eve festivities. http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/sacramentals-blessings/objects/blessing-of-a-christmas-tree.cfm

December 23, 2019

Fighting Fair Tip: Never say “never” or “always.” It may seem like your spouse always leaves the gas tank on empty, but there’s always an exception that blows your argument. Be more accurate by saying “often” or “sometimes.” It stings less and creates less defensiveness.

December 22, 2019

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Mt 1:23) We hear this verse in both the first reading and the Gospel today, which helps us to see how God is faithful to His promises. How has the Lord been faithful to you and your family? How can you be faithful to Him?

December 21, 2019

December 21 is the longest night of the year. Advent is about waiting in the uncertainty of darkness. Ponder the times you have waited in the “dark” with a family member. Perhaps it was illness, or maybe fear, that kept you in vigil together. Be not afraid.

December 20, 2019

As Christmas draws closer, the flurry of stress and activity intensifies. Be sure to make time for quiet and prayer with your family to prepare your hearts for Christ’s birth.

December 19, 2019

For no particular reason make tonight’s dinner special: light candles, sip a glass of wine, and turn on soft music. Relax and enjoy each other’s company.

December 18, 2019

Christmas shopping started? Done? Consider committing to at least one gift of service. It can be done as a couple or family during the 12 days of Christmas. (Examples: repair a broken toy, or clean a child’s room, visit a lonely person, clean up a park)

December 17, 2019

It’s not too late to start (or re-start) celebrating Advent – today the O Antiphons begin! Add them to your family’s daily prayer to help you wait for Christ. http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/the-o-antiphons-of-advent.cfm

December 16, 2019

It may seem unrealistic to “rejoice always” as St. Paul encourages us to do, but surely you can find one thing to be grateful for today or to rejoice over.

December 15, 2019

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds John’s disciples about the fruits of his ministry. How has your marriage helped the people around you, in your family, parish, or community?

December 14, 2019

Sometimes it can be frightening to embark upon a big change in life – a birth, a death, changing a job, or retirement. Call to mind a fear from the past or present. Share it with your spouse, and trust it will be kept safe.

December 13, 2019

Enjoy the Christmas lights with your spouse: at the mall, on your street, on the city tree, in your own home. How has your spouse been a light in your life?

December 12, 2019

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Did you know that she appeared pregnant in this image? May she be your model of hopeful waiting on this Advent Thursday.

December 11, 2019

If your parish or employer has a Giving Tree, take your children with you when you buy the gift. Or at least, let them help you wrap it. Your example of helping others will speak more loudly than any words.

December 10, 2019

Looking to add some extra prayer time to your Advent? Even if you can’t make it to Mass every day, you can always meditate the on the daily readings. www.catholic.bible/daily-readings/

December 9, 2019

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of our country, the United States. May her feast day remind us of Mary’s maternal love and protection for us and our families.

December 8, 2019

“John (the Baptist) appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 3:1) In any marriage hurts are inevitable. It may not be major, like a sin, but often small, like a pinch. Is there anything to forgive today?

December 7, 2019

What’s your spouse’s primary love language – Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Physical Touch? Is yours the same or different?

December 6, 2019

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of our country, the United States. May her feast day remind us of Mary’s maternal love and protection for us and our families.

December 5, 2019

Tomorrow is St. Nick’s Day, which means that many parents will put a treat in their child’s shoe tonight. Even if you don’t have a child living with you, consider treating a child whose parents may not. Planning together for ways to help others can draw you closer as a couple.

December 4, 2019

“Both husband and wife should try to renew their love day after day, and that is done through sacrifice, with smiles, and also with ingenuity.” – St. Josemaria Escriva

December 3, 2019

Colder, darker days call for warmer, cozier evenings. Make a hot beverage with your spouse and set aside a few hours for quality time involving board games, a favorite old movie, or long conversation.

December 1, 2019

One way to prepare spiritually for Jesus’ coming is to try to correct a bad habit. Have you been overly critical of your spouse? Judgmental? Too preoccupied to really listen? Pick one fault and work on it.