September 26, 2026

“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, 2026

“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, 2026

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.

September 23, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

(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, 2026

“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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

(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, 2026

“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, 2026

“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, 2026

“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, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

“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, 2026

(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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) We never have to carry our crosses alone. Turn to Christ, and allow your spouse to help you carry your cross as well.

September 2, 2026

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, 2026

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?

August 31, 2026

You can be right, or you can be happily married. Marriage often involves learning (or being told) when you are wrong. Humbly accepting this information when it is true strengthens your bond.

August 30, 2026

(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.

August 29, 2026

Not all infidelity is sexual. Does your work steal your attention away from your spouse? Do opposite sex colleagues at work seem more appealing because they seem to be on the same wavelength or flatter you? Pay attention to your vow and your spouse.

August 28, 2026

Taking care of your child(ren) sometimes means taking time for your marriage. Nurturing your relationship will pay benefits for children even if it costs money for a babysitter.

August 27, 2026

St. Monica prayed for the conversion of her Son, St. Augustine, and was heard. Pray with confidence for the conversion of your friends and family who are separated from the church.

August 26, 2026

(Reader’s tip) Don’t let mistakes ruin your relationships. Put them behind you, so you can move on and grow stronger together.

August 25, 2026

Our culture is often obsessed with newness. If it’s new, it’s better. Sometimes the old, the tried, and trusted is better. Over the years, spouses develop a comfort with each other’s idiosyncrasies. What crazy things do you love about your spouse?

August 24, 2026

Our families are imperfect, and imperfect relationships sometimes result in cuts and bruises. Pray for the grace to “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” – and ask for forgiveness from those you’ve hurt in return.

August 23, 2026

In today’s Gospel Peter professes of Christ, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt 16:16). As Christians, we are called to profess this truth as well in our everyday lives. Do you proclaim Christ as your Savior in your daily life? In your marriage?

August 22, 2026

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Mt 23:12 Because Mary humbled herself, she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. How can you show humility to your family today?

August 21, 2026

Do sports or other recreational pursuits steal your attention away from your beloved? Independent interests are fine as long as they are not out of balance. Not sure if it’s too much? Ask.

August 20, 2026

“Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph 5:21) Mutual love and respect are the marks of a Christian marriage. Does your marriage have love and respect as its guiding principles?

August 19, 2026

Social Media and screen time are useful for connecting and inspiration but they can also rob you of precious couple time. Set family rules for tech, and stick to them.

August 18, 2026

Kids are one of the joys of marriage (much of the time). But they also tend to take their time off the top of your energy reserve. You aren’t married to your kids so don’t let them substitute for the intimacy you owe each other.

August 17, 2026

(Reader’s Tip) Take a moment each day to say how much you love your spouse. Thank them for what they do for the family, or just say that you miss them when you’re apart.

August 16, 2026

“But the woman came and did him homage, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’” (Mt 15:25) Have the humility to come to God and to praise him when you are struggling with problems in your family and life.

August 15, 2026

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:28) Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, where she intercedes for her children on earth. Ask for Mary’s prayers to help your family love God and each other more and more.

August 14, 2026

Focus on strengths more than mistakes. Watch for one accomplishment or virtue that your child demonstrates today and comment on it. This works for spouses too.

August 13, 2026

(Reader’s Tip) Start and end each day by thanking God for letting your spouse be in your life. Just a quick smile when they walk in the room tells them you care that they are near you.

August 12, 2026

(Reader’s Tip) Over the 8+ years we’ve been married we’ve lived by the motto that we don’t always have to like each other, but we always love each other.

August 11, 2026

What has been a low or dry point in your relationship with your spouse? How did you get through it? If you’re still in a desert, ask for help – from your spouse, God, or from a counselor.

August 10, 2026

(Reader’s Tip) Like your spouse for who he/she is as a person. When I’m really angry at my husband, I realize what kind of man he is and I thank God he chose me to be his wife.

August 8, 2026

St. Thomas Aquinas taught that the more you know, the more you have the possibility to love. Share your day, your work, your thoughts, and your prayers with the one you love. 

August 7, 2026

St. Paul exhorts us to remove all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, abuse, and malice from our relationships. Instead, cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. (Eph. 4:31-32). Strive to follow this advice today.

August 6, 2026

“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, 2026

“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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

“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, 2026

“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.