August 6, 2020

“And He was transfigured before them.” (Mt 17:2) Even on earth, we can catch glimpses of heavenly glory with the eyes of faith. Pray that you and your family may see the glory of the Lord in every aspect of your lives.

August 5, 2020

“We need to pray that married couples will love their vocation, even when the road becomes difficult.” (St. John Paul II) How can you be a spiritual and practical support for other couples and families who are struggling?

August 4, 2020

Ruts are the bad side of habits, but marriage can have happy routines. (He always starts the coffee or she remembers to send cards on special days.) What “niceties” have become regular habits in your marriage?

August 3, 2020

The Seven Year Itch is not a myth. Marriages can suffer from routine and ruts. Can you identify a rut that you’ve slipped into in your marriage? Change it up, and be creative.

August 2, 2020

“What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?” Rom 8:35 The answer, of course, is nothing! Don’t forget Christ’s care for your marriage and family, especially when things get hard.

August 1, 2020

“The whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses.” (Ex 4:12) It’s tempting to grumble against one’s spouse, or even God, when things aren’t going well. An occasional grumble can be an okay way to let off steam, but try to balance it with expressions of gratitude and good cheer.

July 31, 2020

St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, encouraged meditation on the Scriptures by placing yourself in the midst of a Scriptural text and picturing the scene in great detail. Try this today with your spouse and children.

July 30, 2020

Give your children choices whenever practical. It helps them develop decision making skills. Just make sure you only give your child a choice that you’re willing to live with as a parent.

July 29, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Approach everything—work, school, obstacle or victory—as a team. Support each other in times of difficulty and share with each other times of success.

July 28, 2020

When all else fails, WAIT. When things aren’t going well in your marriage – and there are bound to be those days – give it time. Sometimes we need to just cool off, sleep on it and then come back with more positive feelings.

July 27, 2020

Sometimes, when we complement each other well, our spouse can seem like an angel. Other times, our differences can cause struggles and harsh words. Remember the former when you are in the latter state.

July 26, 2020

“What is bad they throw away.” (Mt 13:48) Are there circumstances in your life that are inhibiting your relationship with your beloved? These could be serious like addictions or simple like focusing more on your phone than your spouse. Recognize what stands between you and your spouse and throw them away.

July 25, 2020

Married love is “an act of free will!” Its nature is to help husband and wife grow one heart and one soul. (See Humanae Vitae, no. 9)

July 24, 2020

The way to plan the family is through Natural Family Planning. NFP puts the focus on the other, instead of on the self, and respects the gifts of love in husband and wife. (See St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, National Prayer Breakfast, 1994, Washington, DC) #nfpweek

July 23, 2020

When husband and wife use NFP they respect the laws of conception and acknowledge that they are “not the masters of life,” but rather, “ministers of God’s design.” (See Humanae Vitae, no. 13) #nfpweek

July 22, 2020

Natural Family Planning promotes true freedom as spouses learn to understand, accept, and cherish each other – including their fertility. Freedom, love, marriage, and family are all good gifts from God! #nfpweek

July 21, 2020

Practicing NFP allows couples to act as ministers of God’s plan through total self-giving without any alteration. #nfpweek

July 20, 2020

It’s about love! Love goes beyond the spouses’ union of bodies, it leads to forming one heart and soul which requires faithfulness, self-giving, and openness to life! (See St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, no. 13) #nfpweek

July 19, 2020

It’s about life! Children are a blessing from God who designed marriage to be the best place to receive and care for children – that’s why “the future of humanity passes by way of the family.” (See St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, no. 86) #nfpweek

July 18, 2020

Natural Family Planning Awareness week starts tomorrow. Live the truth and beauty of God’s plan for married love! It’s about love, life, freedom, and gift!

July 16, 2020

Doing things together is good, but depending on your personality some spouses can feel smothered. Do you have enough alone time or personal hobbies to refresh your spirit and bring a renewed you and new ideas to your marriage?

July 15, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Say “thank you,” especially for the little things. It lets your spouse know you noticed and appreciated what they did, no matter how little the task.

July 14, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Marriage is until death do us part, not until we have a disagreement. Keep this in mind when you hit rough spots and work through them prayerfully and together.

July 13, 2020

“Jesus…began to send them out two by two.” (Mk. 6:7) We are stronger together, in bonds of friendship and community. You too, are sent to your neighbors, your town, your relatives, and the world to heal, to love, to forgive.

July 12, 2020

“But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Mt 13:8) Is your marriage rich soil in which your family can flourish? If you want to do something for your children, do something for your marriage. Children benefit from a strong, loving marriage.

July 11, 2020

Teach your child (or a neighbor’s child) a value this weekend but do it without saying a word. Consider faithfulness to a promise, self-control, goodness, gentleness, modesty, chastity. Which of these fruits of the Holy Spirit is the biggest challenge for you?

July 10, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) “My husband leads me to seek God and I lead him to see God in our family.” Recognize the ways in which your spouse is leading you to see God, and thank them.

July 9, 2020

Marriage is a school of love and virtue. Which virtues have you grown most in during your marriage?

July 8, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) At least once every day to try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your spouse.

July 7, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Neglect the whole world rather than each other. 

July 6, 2020

St. Maria Goretti was martyred for her fidelity to being pure for Christ. How can you purify your own heart? Pray for the grace to live out purity in your marriage.

July 5, 2020

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” (Mt 11:25) We are called to praise God in all that we do, but that can be hard in our busy lives. Reflect on how you and your spouse give praise to God.

July 4, 2020

The key to a happy marriage is putting God first. Don’t let the distractions of everyday life lead you away from prayer. 

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July 3, 2020

We often take the ones we love for granted on small things. Be courteous!  Always say ‘please’, ‘thank you’ to your spouse, even for small things… like making dinner or taking out the garbage. Give the one you love the same common courtesy you give to a stranger. 

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July 2, 2020

“The human person, made in God’s image, can only find himself through a sincere gift of self.” (Gaudium et Spes 24) How have you given yourself to your spouse today?

July 1, 2020

St. Junipero Serra is the patron of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Pray today that your children and godchildren will discern and accept God’s will for their lives.