Celebration of Marriage and Families planned for October

All the faithful of the diocese are invited to attend a Celebration of Marriage and Families scheduled for Sunday, October 1, 2006, at the Church of St. Mary in Bird Island, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., followed by supper. Bishop John C. Nienstedt will preside at the opening prayer service in the church and offer a special blessing to all those in attendance – married and unmarried, widow and widower, young and old.

The celebration will highlight the importance of the Sacrament of Marriage and the reality that we are all members of God’s family. Preparations for the event are coordinated by a joint committee of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Following the prayer service will be age-appropriate focus sessions on marriage and family. The adult session will feature a panel of married couples facilitated by Christopher Loetscher, Director of Family Life. The couples are Christy and Steve Arnold of St. John in Morton, Lori and Don Clasemann of St. John in Hector, and Joanne and Glenn Pohland of St. Pius X in Glencoe. The couples will offer reflections on the Church’s teaching about marriage followed by questions and answers.

Bishop Nienstedt will meet with high school students. This session will provide an opportunity for students to better understand the Church’s teachings about marriage and family. There will also be activity sessions for grades 5-8, and kindergarten-grade 4. Child care will be provided.

The celebration will conclude with prayer followed by a catered supper.

For further information contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966; email: www.dnu.org.