January 15, 2021

After you are blessed with a child (or children), you may think you don’t have time or money for a regular date night. Do it anyway. Think of it as an investment in your marriage.

January 14, 2021

The early years of marriage require adjustments and compromises. “My way is the right way” will only lock you into fights. Make sure it’s not always you or your spouse yielding to the will of the other.

January 13, 2021

Are you in the post-holiday doldrums? Go out of your way to do something nice for your spouse, or for a person in need. Love chases away gloom!

January 12, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) Praying together as a couple and a family has carried us through some tough years. We always try to attend Mass together.

January 11, 2021

Yesterday we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. Do you know the date of your baptism, and that of your children? Consider celebrating those dates and pray today for further graces of Baptism in your lives.

January 10, 2021

“And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) Let your spouse know when you are proud of them and why. It is important to show that you recognize what they are doing for you, your family, and others. They will appreciate your recognition and love!

January 9, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) Compromise, saying “yes,” and the occasional “you look beautiful” have made the last 26 years together a walk in the park.

January 8, 2021

Maybe your marriage is feeling wear and tear these days. Don’t throw in the towel! Try Retrouvaille or The Third Option. If you don’t need it, pass the information on to a couple who does.

January 7, 2021

Do you have a regular date night? It’s one of the keys to a satisfying marriage. It needn’t always involve money or going out but it should be a time set aside for meaningful conversation (not about money or the kids) and fun.

January 6, 2021

“Behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.” (Mt 2:2). The wise still seek Jesus. What gifts of wisdom do you possess? A lesson learned from your childhood? A proverb that steers your life? A virtue to which you’ve struggled to be true?

January 5, 2021

The National Marriage Project identified 10 key factors linked to successfully combining marriage and parenthood. The first four are: shared housework, satisfying marital intimacy, marital generosity, and date nights. Do you have these covered?

January 4, 2021

Now that the busyness of Christmas is starting to die down, why not start the new year right by planning a regular weekly family night? Be creative about spending some quality time together for wholesome bonding.

January 3, 2021

“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Mt 2:11) Do you and your family support the Church or any charities financially? If you are not in a position to donate money, offer gifts to the Lord through your service to others.

January 2, 2021

“On the 9th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – 9 Ladies Dancing.” When’s the last time you and your spouse have danced impromptu in the living room? Try it today – and see if it doesn’t make you smile!

January 1, 2021

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Lk 2:19) It’s a new year – a chance to start over. What’s one change you’d like to make for the better? Tell your spouse. He/she can keep you honest and accountable.

December 31, 2020

As this year ends, reminisce about highlights from 2014 with your family. What made them most happy, sad, angry, and afraid? How do you want to grow as a family in 2015?

December 30, 2020

As the close of the year draws nigh, is there anything you need to ask your family, especially your spouse, to forgive you for? Are there any relatives you need to forgive?

December 29, 2020

When you meet at the end of your workday, connect with your spouse before beginning that evening’s chores and activities. Catch up on each other’s days, take a walk, say some prayers…fifteen minutes together can make a world of difference.

December 28, 2020

The Christmas season can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones, feel alone, have no children, etc. Can you reach out today to someone and share the joy of Christmas with them?

December 27, 2020

Today we celebrate the Holy Family: Joseph, Mary and Jesus. They are powerful intercessors for marriages and families! Pray to them today, and consider placing an image of the Holy Family in your home.

December 26, 2020

Don’t put away your Christmas decorations yet! Remember that Christmas isn’t just a day, but a whole season. So keep singing those Christmas carols and rejoicing in the birth of Our Lord.

December 25, 2020

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. Rejoice with your family today at the best gift the world has ever received, Jesus Christ our Savior. Alleluia!

December 24, 2020

The prayer from the Christmas novena to St. Andrew is perfect for today, especially at Midnight Mass: “Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.” Into darkness and cold comes the true Light of the world!

December 23, 2020

“The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son.” (Lk 1:57) Elizabeth waited a long time to have a child. Do you know anyone hoping to have a child? Pray for them. God willing, their time will come. If not, may they be mothers and fathers in other ways.

December 22, 2020

Today’s Gospel is Mary’s beautiful Magnificat prayer (Lk 1:46-56). Reflect on how God has been faithful to you and your spouse throughout your marriage. As a couple, pray Mary’s Magnificat in thanksgiving to God. 

December 21, 2020

The intensity of this time right before Christmas can be fun but also draining. When you feel stressed, keep repeating the mantra, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” If you keep this in mind, what’s important and what isn’t will sort itself out.

December 20, 2020

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:37) Christ became man to save us. Do not doubt that He can work wonders for and through you.

December 19, 2020

“I was a stranger and you made me welcome.” (Mt. 25:38) Who is the last stranger who visited your home? How would you rate your family’s hospitality? Who will be the next guest?

December 18, 2020

Walk or drive around your neighborhood and look at the Christmas lights. How has your spouse been a light when you were going through a dark time?

December 17, 2020

The “O Antiphons” begin today, best known from the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Today’s is “O Wisdom of our God Most High.” Find them all on the USCCB website (search “Advent”) and pray them as a family this week to prepare for Christ’s birth.

December 16, 2020

Do you set up a Nativity scene in your home? Setting up the scene but hiding baby Jesus until Christmas is a wonderful visual reminder of our anticipation for the coming of Christ. 

December 15, 2020

As we wait for Christmas, it’s a good time to develop the virtue of patience. Focus on being patient today, especially with your family members. Offer up the frustrations that come from things not going the way you had planned.

December 14, 2020

There are 10 days left of Advent. How have you spiritually prepared for Christmas as a couple? How can you use these remaining days well as you await the coming of Christ? 

December 13, 2020

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted.” (Is 61:1) Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, reminds us of God’s gift of joy (“gaudium” in Latin) no matter what trials we are experiencing in our family.

December 12, 2020

Struggling right now? Take comfort in the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, “Let not your heart be disturbed. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection?” 

December 11, 2020

Ever heard of limerence? It’s a physical feeling of infatuation for another, like a crush. Although limerence can lead to committed love, it typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years. That’s why couples must transition to a more lasting love. Nurture romance but rely on enduring friendship.

December 10, 2020

Sit down with your spouse and look at some of your favorite photos from the past year. Was there an unexpected blessing? Give thanks.

December 9, 2020

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). Rest in Christ and ask Him to help you share his peace with others. 

December 8, 2020

A nice tradition today, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is to give a gift to a pregnant woman you know. Also pray today for mothers with difficult or unexpected pregnancies.

December 7, 2020

God gave us two ears and one mouth. Keeping this ratio in mind can help you deepen your relationship. Try listening to your spouse twice as much as you speak! 

December 6, 2020

“John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mk 1:4) The sacraments are essential to the Christian life. Encourage your spouse to go to confession regularly. Participation in this sacrament will strengthen not only your relationship with God but your relationship with your spouse.

December 5, 2020

Reconciliation is crucial in every marriage. Does your parish have an Advent Penance Service? Make plans to receive the Sacrament of Penance as a family before Christmas.

December 4, 2020

Advent and Lent are both seasons of penance and preparation. As you prepare your home for Christmas, how can you prepare your heart for the coming of Jesus? 

December 3, 2020

St. Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary who took the Gospel to people who hadn’t heard of Jesus. Families too are called to be missionaries. Who can you share Jesus’ love with today?

December 2, 2020

The love between husband and wife expands when shared with others. Consider participating in your parish’s Giving Tree, or inviting an elderly or single person to your holiday celebrations.

December 1, 2020

Have you blessed your Advent wreath yet? There is a simple prayer service to do at home available on the USCCB website, www.usccb.org: search for “Advent.”