The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 12) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme, "Marriage...one flesh, given and received," highlights the one-flesh union of husband and wife that is willed by God. It also indicates the personal self-gift of each spouse, one to the other. These concepts point to Christ who gives Himself under the appearance of bread and wine—as real flesh and blood.
Throughout the week, the USCCB's Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth will be hosting live-streamed events via the For Your Marriage Facebook page and sharing related posts.
The following are resources for celebrating the week in your home and parish:
- At Home Marriage Retreat (PDF)
- Prayer for couples (PDF)
- Check out Daily Marriage Tips for new ideas to strengthen your relationship.
- ForYourMarriage.org helps couples at all stages of life to understand and live God’s plan for happy, holy marriages by providing educational and spiritual resources.
- Worldwide Marriage Encounter provides numerous resources for celebrating World Marriage Day.
- National Marriage Week offers helpful ideas for building up your own marriage, recommended reading, supporting marriage in the community, and much more. There’s also a listing of marriage-building events throughout the country.
Other marriage resources curated by the Diocese of Raleigh's Marriage and Family Life ministry can be found here: