March 25, 2023

Amid the penance and purple of Lent, a feast of such good news! “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,” the angel tells Mary. Couples who await their own “annunciation” bear a heavy burden. Pray for them today and thank God for the gift of your children if you are so blessed.

March 24, 2023

Fighting Fair Tip: Avoid the kitchen sink. This doesn’t mean you can’t argue in the kitchen but rather, keep to the topic. Don’t bring up “everything but the kitchen sink.”

March 23, 2023

As Easter approaches, RCIA candidates are preparing for the sacraments. Pray for any future Catholics you know or introduce yourself to your parish’s candidates so you can pray for them and welcome them into the Church this Easter.

March 22, 2023

Parents-in-law can be a great support both practically and emotionally to a young married couple, but the negative jokes and stereotypes about in-laws aren’t created out of thin air. If there’s in-law tension in your marriage, talk about boundaries and always treat your spouse’s parents with respect.

March 21, 2023

Do you find yourself giving your spouse the “dregs” of your time? Whatever your life circumstances, making time for one another is an ongoing challenge. Try taking a good hard look at how you spend your time: what could be cut out? Could you “schedule in” your spouse more often?

March 20, 2023

Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. – Pope John Paul II

March 19, 2023

“Not as man does God see…the Lord looks into the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7) Do you look into your spouse’s heart? Do you let them look into yours? Cherish the opportunity to go beyond appearances with the one you love.

March 18, 2023

Don’t let the “terrible trifles” eat away at your marriage. If the kind of toilet paper is important to your wife, don’t fight it. If your husband likes to buy in bulk to save money, it may be an annoyance but not the hill you want to die on. Try to find the good in your spouse’s actions.

March 17, 2023

Legend has it that St. Patrick expressed the mystery of the Trinity through the symbol of the shamrock. Marriage is like that too – the unity of husband, wife, and God.

March 15, 2023

Pope Francis asked married couples: “How are things when it comes to joy at home? Is there joy in your family?” How would you answer the Pope? He said that true joy “comes from a profound harmony between persons.”

March 14, 2023

A meal is a holy thing to share. Who cooks, prepares the table, or cleans up in your family? Is one of you very nutrition conscious and the other not? It doesn’t have to be gourmet to be healthy and delicious. Who talks the most? Who leads a prayer? Share it all.

March 13, 2023

Did you know that there are many married saints? If you’re not familiar with any, do some research. You might start with reading about St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Gianna Molla.

March 12, 2023

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Ps 95:8) Do you harden your heart against God, or against your spouse? Pray today for a tenderness of heart toward your spouse, even when he or she repeats an annoying habit.

March 11, 2023

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Do you need to ask forgiveness from your spouse? Maybe you need to offer it. If there’s nothing recent to forgive, forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against.

March 10, 2023

Are you, or someone you know, in a troubled marriage? You don’t have to live with the pain; there are people to help you work toward a better marriage. Many couples have worked their way back to satisfying and stronger marriages. Check out The Third Option or Retrouvaille for starters.

March 8, 2023

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn 12:24) Has anyone close to you died who has enriched your life? Loss is always hard, but having a spouse to share it with makes it bearable.

March 7, 2023

“In a family you don’t have to look very far to find your cross,” a father observes in Follow the Way of Love. Who in your family seems to have a mission to purify YOU today, to teach you patience, or to challenge you? What cross do you bring to the others in your family?

March 6, 2023

Share a childhood memory. Who was your best friend, or your favorite subject in school? What seemed like a crisis at the time, but you were eventually able to overcome or forget? Talk it over.

March 5, 2023

Just as Jesus was transfigured and appeared gloriously to Peter, James, and John (Mk 9: 2-10) so too love for your spouse can bring out the best in the other. Recall for a moment your wedding day and the wonder of seeing each other clothed in splendor.

March 4, 2023

Married couples are the ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage to each other. How do you minister to each other in your daily life? Don’t forget to pray for all the graces of your sacrament!

March 3, 2023

Resist the urge to buy something new this week. Have each person in the family pick one possession to give away during Lent. Consider gently used toys, books, or hand-me-downs that need to find a new home.

March 2, 2023

Marriage is easier if both of you are of the same faith and relatively equal devoutness. Still, interreligious couples sometimes are pulled into a deeper understanding of their faith when explaining it to their beloved and learning about another religion. Praying at home is often unifying.

March 1, 2023

February 28, 2023

Around the house, married couples work out a division of labor between them. Usually it’s based on skills, interest, and time. Is there a particular task you dislike? Talk about it. Then try switching for a month.

February 27, 2023

“Then God delivered all these commandments.” (Ex 20:1) Which commandment is most difficult for you? Are you too lenient or harsh on yourself? Sometimes a spouse can be a window into your soul, knowing you even better than you know yourself. Do you dare ask for his/her opinion?

February 26, 2023

“Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” (Ps 51:3) On this first Sunday of Lent, make plans to go to confession as a family sometime during Lent. Frequenting the Sacrament of Penance is a great “practice run” for asking forgiveness from your spouse.

February 25, 2023

Where is your church? Perhaps it’s closer than you think. A family is “the most basic way in which the Lord gathers us, forms us, and acts in the world. The early Church [called] the Christian family a domestic church or church of the home.” (Follow the Way of Love)

February 24, 2023

Are there any places in your heart where you have allowed resentment to grow or grudges to fester? Open these parts to God. Ask for His help to soften your heart and see your family through His eyes of love.

February 22, 2023

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Take time today to thank God for your spouse, realizing that your earthly time together won’t last forever.

February 21, 2023

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is about more than decadence and parades. It’s a chance to let your lighter side play. If you’re the serious type, lighten up for a day. If you’re already lighter than air, take responsibility for humoring your spouse.

February 20, 2023

Lent is just a few days away. Have you spoken yet with your spouse about ideas to grow spiritually this Lent? Set aside time to do so today, and talk about how you can encourage each other.

February 19, 2023

“Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness” (Ps 103:8). In these words, God gives married couples a blueprint for life together! Ask the Lord for help to love your spouse as God loves him/her.

February 18, 2023

What’s your favorite prayer or Scripture? Do you know what your spouse’s is? Why not say it together tonight?

February 17, 2023

It’s natural for couples to have different strengths. Sometimes, however, it’s fun to teach each other a personal skill – like how to sew on a button or play a musical instrument. Teach each other something new today, and be patient!

February 16, 2023

“Welcoming a child, through birth or adoption, is an act of faith as well as an act of love.” (Follow the Way of Love) Pray for couples who want a child but are infertile as well as for those who have an untimely pregnancy and are afraid. Bless your child today.

February 15, 2023

Lent is approaching. Is there a bad habit that you would like to eliminate? Anything you wouldn’t want to teach your children to do? Lent and your children can give you the motivation to let go of it. Ask your spouse for help.

February 14, 2023

What’s the most romantic trip you can take? Perhaps it’s a trip down memory lane. On this day of love, remember how you met, your first date, your first kiss, your proposal/acceptance, your first night as a married couple, etc.

February 13, 2023

What’s your favorite religious or spiritual book other than the Bible? Why has it touched you so? Has your spouse also read it? If your favorite is not the same, time to try a new book!

February 12, 2023

“Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift,” Jesus says to his disciples (Mt 5:24). Is there anyone you need to reconcile with? Perhaps your spouse? A child? A parent or parent-in-law? Pray for opportunities to heal a broken or tense relationship.

February 11, 2023

The lay movement Teams of Our Lady asks its members (married couples) to have a “sit down” once a month, where husband and wife set aside time to give each other undivided attention and share what’s on their hearts. Could this practice benefit your marriage?

February 10, 2023

Personality is like eye color – there’s not a right or wrong kind. It’s also not crucial that couples be the same. Often, however, arguments start when we expect our spouse to think and act just like us. Be open to your spouse’s differences.

February 9, 2023

(Reader’s Tip) Talk behind your spouse’s back…to God. If there is something your spouse is struggling with or trying to discern, your prayers on their behalf are very important.

February 8, 2023

“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” (Mk 1:15) Any two people who live as closely as husband and wife are bound to emotionally hurt each other at times. It may be a careless word or wanting your way. Don’t be too proud to repent. “I’m sorry” is the first step; making amends is the next.

February 7, 2023

One of the most reliable predictors of a lifelong marriage is the commitment to a lifelong marriage. Put the “D word” (divorce) off the negotiating table. Commitment pushes you toward solutions, and perhaps a counselor.

February 6, 2023

As Valentine’s Day approaches, give your spouse a gift of memory. If you haven’t already, memorize your wedding vows. Few people like to memorize but it’s a way to keep your vows always in mind.

February 5, 2023

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world,” Jesus says to his disciples (Mt 5:13, 14). Married love is salt and light. It brings joy – flavor – to a world that is too often bleak. It shines the light of hope on weary hearts. Rejoice in your marriage today.

February 4, 2023

High school biology is good – but not sufficient for the more important medical decisions we make in life. Learning Natural Family Planning as a couple can update and deepen your knowledge of how the female body works. Consider taking an NFP class together.

February 3, 2023

National Marriage Week starts in just a few days. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with your spouse. Take advantage of the short, cold days to spend time together. Talk, dream, or just be in each other’s presence. Pray to rekindle your love.

February 2, 2023

“And you yourself a sword will pierce,” the prophet Simeon says to Mary (Lk 2:35). Are you or your spouse carrying a heavy burden, a painful ache in your heart? Pray to Mary for help in bearing your suffering well. She knows our pain.

February 1, 2023

Communication tip: Agree in advance that when a conversation gets heated, either spouse can call a “time out.” Take at least 20 minutes to cool down and process what was said before regrouping and continuing the discussion.