October 21, 2020

It’s important to prioritize your relationship with your spouse, especially after you have children. Your children will benefit from your strong marriage.

October 20, 2020

As the years go on, life can become routine and monotonous. Today, reminisce with your spouse about the early days of your relationship; the memories might reignite the fire of your love!

October 19, 2020

Marriage enrichment programs aren’t just for marriages in trouble! Research shows that couples attending marriage enrichment programs report more marital happiness. Look for a retreat or program in your diocese to attend with your spouse.

October 18, 2020

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mt 22:21). It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life but you must not forget to devote time to God, both on your own and with your spouse.

October 17, 2020

Positivity is key for fruitful communication. Encourage your spouse often, and let kindness override criticism.

October 16, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Find a task or chore that is your spouse’s least favorite thing to do (taking out the trash, doing the dishes) and do it for them as often as you can.

October 15, 2020

An old proverb says, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Don’t get so busy caring for your child that you forget the love that brought that child into being.

October 14, 2020

Do you have any divorced friends? Many of us do. Go out of your way to show them love today by giving them a phone call, sending a note, or inviting them over for dinner.

October 13, 2020

The empty nest can be quite a transition, but it can also be an opportunity to discover new adventures with your spouse. Let this time inspire new hobbies, interests, and shared activities.

October 12, 2020

Respecting human life means investing in children and nurturing their lives from conception until adulthood. Do you and your spouse support your friends’ children as well as your own children?

October 11, 2020

“Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find” (Mt 22:9). Consider helping other couples as they prepare for the sacrament of marriage or as they seek to live out this sacrament. Help out with your parish marriage preparation or enrichment programs. Bringing others to Christ will help to bring your marriage to Christ as well!

October 10, 2020

In the book of Genesis, we read that “God made them male and female.” How do you and your spouse complement each other as man and woman?

October 9, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Always treat each other with respect, whether it’s in front of the children, in public or just the two of you. Avoid blatant insults or passive-aggressive comments.

October 8, 2020

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you’re in a healthy marriage, give thanks. If you suspect someone is being abused, provide them with the National Domestic Violence Hotline number (1-800-799-SAFE).

October 7, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) My husband and I set an alarm on our phones for the same time each day. When the alarm goes off, it reminds us to stop and pray for our marriage.

October 6, 2020

Are you and your spouse compatible spenders/savers? You don’t have to have the same “money personality,” but be sure to keep the lines of communication open as you and your spouse consider the needs of your family.

October 5, 2020

On her wedding day, a bride listed ten of her husband’s faults she would overlook for the sake of their marriage. On their 50th anniversary, she revealed that she never actually made the list; she just kept overlooking irritations! Overlook a fault today.

October 4, 2020

“By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.” (Mt 21:42) Do we recognize the works of the Lord in our lives and marriages as being wonderful? Give thanks to God for the gift of your life and your spouse. 

October 3, 2020

Love in marriage is a gift from God and a call to holiness. How can you make Christ present to your spouse today?

October 2, 2020

October is Respect Life Month. We are reminded to value all human life and creation, especially the unborn, the poor, and the vulnerable. As a family, consider making a donation of goods, time, or money to a group that helps those in need.

October 1, 2020

On today’s feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, think about how her words apply to your marriage:  “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word, always doing the tiniest things right and doing it all for love.” 

September 30, 2020

Conflict is inevitable in every relationship, but how you approach a conflict will either help or harm your marriage. Look for common ground and do your best to listen and understand your spouse’s point of view.

September 29, 2020

Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the presence of the angels in our daily lives. Pray for their protection and guidance for your family.

September 28, 2020

“What some people love is not a person but the experience of being in love. The first is irreplaceable; the second is not.” ―Fulton J. Sheen, Three to Get Married. Take a moment to reflect on the irreplaceable, unique person who is your spouse. Then, tell your spouse something you love about who they are as a person.

September 27, 2020

Jesus challenges the chief priests and scribes in today’s Gospel with the parable of the two sons. In what areas of your life do you have difficulty accepting the Lord’s will? Pray for the grace to follow His call wholeheartedly – remember, it is always better late than never.

September 26, 2020

“Not only do I love my son’s mother, I exalt her as a queen.” (Rosario Slack) Do your children hear how much you esteem your spouse? This goes both ways, for both husbands and wives.

September 25, 2020

“All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). What seasons has your marriage been through? How has God shaped you, your marriage, and your family through these different seasons?

September 24, 2020

“I wish to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others” (Pope Benedict XVI). Choose a person today to lavish love on who may not appear to deserve it.

September 23, 2020

Can social media harm your marriage? Set clear boundaries when it comes to using technology in your home. Instead, make time for quality time with your spouse.

September 22, 2020

“What were you arguing about?…If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last.” (Mk 9:33, 35) This teaching of Jesus parallels the perennial marital argument about who is right. Arguments can often be shortened if you can give up the need to be right – every time.

September 21, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) The best advice I was given at our wedding was, “Your children will learn how to love not by the love you show them but by the love you show each other.”

September 20, 2020

“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:16) In order for your marriage to be first, you must often put yourself last. In what areas of your life are you putting yourself before your marriage in a way that is detrimental to your spouse and family?

September 19, 2020

Mutual receptivity is an important part of every healthy relationship. Practice listening to your spouse with an open heart. When you show love in this way, you may find your spouse listening to you with receptivity as well!

September 18, 2020

Some pregnancies are a surprise, but no baby is a mistake. During your fertile years, cultivate an attitude of generosity and knowledge. Generosity can teach acceptance of the unknown. Natural Family Planning can help you to know the best times to conceive.

September 17, 2020

“Who do people say that I am?” (Mk 8:27) Just as our public persona does not always reflect our true self, spouses are privy to the hidden truth/weaknesses of each other. What do you know about your beloved that perhaps no one else does? Honor this privileged information.

September 16, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) Are your grown children starting to think about marriage? Pray that God will lead them to the right person. Encourage them to pray, too.

September 15, 2020

“Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) You may not need this Scripture right now, but you’ll need it sometime. Hang on to these words of comfort when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be Jesus’s comfort to your spouse.

September 14, 2020

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) God’s love is a sacrificial love. Are you willing to make sacrifices for your spouse?

September 13, 2020

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” (Mt 18:21-22) Forgiving someone who has hurt you – even siblings, parents, a spouse – can be a long process. Today, pray for the grace to forgive someone who has wounded you.

September 12, 2020

Take some time today to cultivate the love you have for your spouse. Small, daily gestures of love and appreciation will bear great fruit in your marriage! 

September 11, 2020

“The families of migrants, especially in the case of manual workers and farm workers, should be able to find a homeland everywhere in the church.” (Familiaris Consortio) Does your family know any migrants from another country? Find one or two and invite them to dinner.

September 10, 2020

“Even if we are not called to sell all that we have (Luke 18:22), we probably are called to not buy everything that it is possible to buy” (Susan Vogt). What do you expect to spend money on today? Some items are essential but is there one purchase that you can skip?

September 9, 2020

(Reader’s Tip) My husband and I take turns planning our anniversary each year. Sometimes the plans are a total surprise to the other spouse, sometimes it’s a coordinated effort, but it’s always fun.

September 8, 2020

Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary always trusted in the Lord and His plans for her life, even when it was difficult to comprehend. Rest in the knowledge that God has a plan for your marriage and family, even when it is difficult to understand! 

September 7, 2020

Do you show appreciation for the work your spouse does inside the home? Take a moment to say thanks for something he or she does on a regular basis, such as cooking, lawn care, or laundry.

September 6, 2020

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20) Did you gather in Jesus’ name today? Believe that Jesus is with you in every moment of your marriage. Ask for His help to know that He is always with you.

September 5, 2020

Experiences from families of origin affect married lives. What are some blessings and challenges that have arisen in your marriage because of your or your spouse’s family of origin?

September 4, 2020

“Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith?” (James 2: 5) Do you know anyone who is really poor? Look around you. What can you learn of faith from those you see?

September 3, 2020

(Reader’s Tip from a couple married 80 years) You’ve got to give in (in disagreements). Both of you have to give in. Once it’s your turn and the next time it’s the other’s turn.

September 2, 2020

Children sometimes criticize and make fun of others; so do adults. Check yourself against these three criteria when criticizing your spouse (or anyone): Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If not, it’s probably fault-finding or gossip.

September 1, 2020

An ache or a pain, an angst, or an annoyance. What to do? Offer it up. This traditional spiritual practice of offering up our troubles as a prayer can redirect our energy from our own gloom to the good of another. For whom can you offer up today’s problems?