Greetings!
This month we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, both body and soul into heaven. This feast is a beautiful reminder that not only our souls are meant for heaven, but our bodies too –
God desires our whole selves to be with Him in heaven. Our bodies are sacred – in fact, God has counted every hair upon our heads! We have hope that one day we will be united with God and loved ones in heaven.
Later in the month, we celebrate St. Monica and St. Augustine (August 27 and 28), a mother and son whose road to sanctity was not an easy one! St. Monica prayed for many years for Augustine's conversion, enduring in hope that her son would one day know Christ. They shine as an example of the Christian family: even through conflicts, difficulties, and challenges, family members are called to love fiercely and help each other grow in holiness.
And finally, it's (somehow already) back-to-school time, which has parents, kids, and teachers feeling anxious about the new school year. There are no one-size-fits-all answers for your family - you know yourself, your spouse, and your children, and whatever decision you have made will be what is best for your family.
We pray you can find joy and see God's presence in your life this month.
Blessings,
The Marriage & Family Ministry Staff
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4 things to remember if you feel awkward expressing your needs |
Sometimes we tend to think that expressing our needs is selfish - after all, no one wants to be seen as the needy one in a relationship! But a desire and the ability to express yourself to your beloved is a necessary part of a healthy relationship. Honestly talking about what you need builds both intimacy and trust. Here are 4 things to remember while working toward a relationship with honest communication and "necessary neediness."
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What the Solemnity of the Assumption teaches us about our lives |
I love having a wedding anniversary on the Assumption. In our own marriage, we have known suffering - difficult pregnancies, subfertility, and miscarriage, among other things – and those are common sufferings for married couples to face. We are not alone. When we feel discouraged about the sufferings that come, we can look to Mary. Her story, rife with suffering that we can’t comprehend, ended with the glorification of her wounds.
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6 unexpected perks of planning your family naturally |
One of the big things we all hear about Catholic marriage is Natural Family Planning. You may be familiar with the major reasons to use NFP—it’s approved by Catholic Church, it’s in line with God’s design, it builds stronger marriages, and is a natural way to avoid or achieve a pregnancy. These are all good things; but they aren’t all the good things. When I got married, I discovered a whole trove of perks no one told me about using NFP.
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Webinar: "Racism is a Life Issue" from Notre Dame's Center for Ethics & Culture |
Join us for a moderated discussion on racism and the culture of life with distinguished panelists G. Marcus Cole (Dean, Notre Dame Law School), Sen. Katrina Jackson (Louisiana State Senate), Ernest Morrell (University of Notre Dame), Gloria Purvis (EWTN Global Catholic Radio), Jacqueline Rivers (Harvard University), and Benjamin Watson (Super Bowl Champion). Click here to visit the YouTube panel replay.
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A plan for a family retreat |
Because of the pandemic, many of us spent far more time than normal with our families in 2020. But perhaps not all of this time was spent as well as it could have been. A self-directed family retreat is one solution to take a step back from the noise of the world, spend intentional time with your kids, and share your faith with them. Your family retreat should include these 4 elements: family bonding activities, prayer, teaching, and of course, fun!
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Marriage Tip of the Month
Does voicing your needs come easily to you, or do you find yourself hesitating when you need to have those types of conversations? Make a point to think of two or three concrete needs you haven't communicated to your beloved, then take turns sharing them with each other.
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Upcoming Events & Things to Do |
Summer Theology on Tap
Join us for a Catholic speaker series for young adults in their 20s & 30s, single and married, to share in food, fellowship, and faith!
Both series will be held outside to allow for socializing while social distancing. Bring a blanket or lawn chair!
South Bend Series Theme: Sanctifying Everyday Life
St. Therese, Little Flower
54191 Ironwood Road, South Bend
Aug 4: Sanctify Your Time
Talk - Allie Greene
Food Truck - TBD
Aug 11: Summer Mass & BBQ!
Mass - Fr. Terry Coonan
Food Truck - TBD
Fort Wane Series Theme: Getting Back to Basics
St. Charles Borromeo
4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne
August 4: The Eucharist
Talk: Sr. Maria Gemma OSF
Bakery: Zinnia's Bakehouse
August 11: The Universal Church
Talk: Monica Aquila
Bakery: Cookie Cottage
August 18
Summer Party: Mass & Closing Party!
Catered by Ceruti's
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Adoration Under the Stars
Thursday, August 6th, 8:30 to 9:30 PM
Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Fort Wayne
Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, and bring your blankets, chairs, and families and join us on the front lawn of Our Lady of Good Hope parish as we Adore the Lord in the Monstrance under the night sky with Sacred Singing (only the choir), Sacred Scripture, Sacred Silence, and Sacred Supplication. Prior to the event, the Schola will begin singing at 8:15PM. All are asked to practice social distancing. In the event of inclement weather, we will move inside.
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Join the ava's grace online “gathering” on Wednesday, August 19, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM over Zoom. We will focus on the hope of heaven and the resurrection of the body. Contact Lisa at [email protected] for the meeting link and password.
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Save the date!
Just Desserts virtual date night
Saturday, September 12, 8:00-9:30 pm
Just Desserts date night is back, and it's online! Put the kids to bed, grab a dessert, and join us for a speaker and small group discussion with other couples in the diocese. Valerie Galbraith, LMHC will speak on attachment theory in relationships and how it can help deepen your marriage. To get the Zoom link and password, register here. Contact Caty at [email protected] if you have questions.
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Join Alpha online!
Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:00 pm
September 22 - November 24
Alpha Online FWSB is a ten-week small group discussion series featuring the highly-acclaimed Alpha film series which explores the Christian faith with inspiring stories and interviews from around the world. It will take place over Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM from September 22 through November 24. Whether you want to deepen your own relationship with Jesus or introduce someone else to what life in Christ looks like, register for this free series and invite a friend. Attendees will assigned a virtual small group with others in their age range. To register, go to https://alphafwsb.wixsite.com/alphafwsb.
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Join the Alpha Marriage Course online!
Thursday evenings, 8-10 pm
October 8 - November 19
The Alpha Marriage Course will be starting online this fall! The Marriage Course was developed for couples seeking practical support to strengthen their relationship, keep the spark alive, and stay connected. Over seven sessions, the course covers: Strengthening Connection, The Art of Communication, Resolving Conflict, The Power of Forgiveness, The Impact of Family, Good Sex and Love in Action. There will be time for you and your spouse to talk alone about what you heard about in the session. Email Lisa at [email protected] if you have questions.
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Hope for the Journey
Spiritual, emotional, and practical support for couples who have experienced or are experiencing infertility or secondary infertility
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Spiritual, emotional and practical support to families suffering miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
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Miriam's Blessing
Comprehensive support to parents who receive a poor prenatal diagnosis, provided through three distinct phases: the pregnancy, the birth, and postpartum.
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Project Rachel
Post-abortion reconciliation program offering hope and healing through God who is love and mercy.
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NFP: Local Resources
Diocesan approved classes and resources for Natural Family Planning
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Walking with Moms in Need
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. From March 25 2020 to March 25, 2021, all parishes will be embarking on "Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service." Visit our diocesan website for resources.
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The family should be a place of love and security. If you or someone you know is unsafe at home during this time, call an area YWCA for help.
Fort Wayne area: 1-866-YES-YWCA (bilingual services available)
South Bend area YWCA: 1-800-441-4073
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