A
Diocesan Celebration of Marriage and Families
With the intent of
highlighting the importance of the Sacrament of Marriage and the reality that
we are all members of God’s family, a Celebration of Marriage and Families
has been planned in the diocese for Sunday, October 1, 2006, at the Church of
St. Mary in Bird Island, MN, beginning at 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a
light supper. There will be a prayer service presided by Bishop John C.
Nienstedt. Bishop will offer a special blessing to all those in attendance –
married and unmarried, widow and widower, young and old.
The celebration will include
age-appropriate focus sessions on marriage and family. Adult sessions will be
held in English and Spanish. The English session will feature a panel of
married couples facilitated by Christopher Loetscher, Director of the diocesan
Office of Family Life. Facilitating couples are Christy and Steve Arnold of
Bishop Nienstedt will meet
with high school students followed by a question and answer format. This will
provide an opportunity for students to better understand the Church’s teachings
about marriage and family. The session
for grades 5 through 8, will feature Kara Kleina songwriter
and advocate for life. She will speak
and give a short concert.
There will also be a session
for elementary-age children, and kindergarten through grade 4. Child care for
the very young is available.
The celebration will conclude
with a blessing and prayer in the church followed by a catered light supper in
the hall and gym. A free book of family prayers will be available to each
family. Religious articles will also be
available for purchase in the church hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend
this special celebration.
Preparations for the event are coordinated by a joint committee of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.