Marriage Enrichment
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The Sacred Gift of Marriage
In the Catholic tradition, marriage is much more than a social contract or a personal promise—it is a sacred covenant, established by God and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. Through this holy union, a man and a woman become a living sign of the faithful and eternal love between Christ and His Church. Rooted in God’s plan and the teaching of the Church, marriage calls spouses to a lifelong journey of love, trust, and holiness—a path marked by mutual self-giving, openness to life, and deep spiritual growth.
But this sacred calling is not something that flourishes on its own. It must be nurtured and renewed every day through prayer, sacrifice, and shared faith. As Pope St. John Paul II beautifully reminded us, the family is the “domestic church,” the place where God’s love is made visible in the ordinary moments of life. To cultivate a marriage, then, is to respond faithfully to this vocation—to grow in holiness together and to strengthen the foundation of family and society.
Living this vocation of selfless love requires continual formation and grace. St. John Paul II, in Familiaris Consortio, reminds couples that they are called to “remain faithful to each other forever, beyond every trial and difficulty, in generous obedience to the holy will of the Lord.” In a world that often values individualism over commitment, this kind of lasting love can only be sustained through prayer, ongoing formation, and a humble openness to God’s guidance.
Supporting Couples in their VocationAt Mary, Queen of Peace, we are blessed to offer a variety of events, retreats, and programs to help married couples deepen their understanding of—and commitment to—the sacrament of Matrimony. These opportunities are meant to strengthen the love between spouses, renew their sense of purpose, and remind them that their marriage is not only a gift to each other, but also a witness of God’s faithful love to the world.
Should you want additional information about any of these events/programs, please contact Director of Marriage, Family Life & Women's Ministry Audrey Huck at [email protected].Marriage Enrichment Events:
- Marriage Workshop - April 11, 2026
- Willwoods Marriage Retreat - June 21-22, 2026
- Supper & Substance (annual event)
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Enjoy Your Marriage Workshop
Come and spend a day with Greg and Julie Alexander as they present God's wonderful design for marriage by utilizing Church teaching and Scripture couples with their own personal life experience in a fun and energizing way. Greg and Julie have presented this workshop to thousands of participants around the world. The Strong Catholic Marriage Workshop has been proven to be an effective catalyst that has been inspiring couples to initiate positive change in their marriage.
Whether you are engaged, have a great marriage, or are experiencing trouble in your marriage you will leave with a renewed sense of hope and encouragement!Enjoy Your Marriage Workshop
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Greg and Julie Alexander's Story
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Register for the June 20-21, 2026 Retreat HERE
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Supper & Substance
Supper and Substance is an annual marriage enrichment event at Mary, Queen of Peace. It's an opportunity to socialize and form relationships with other married couples within the parish, to intentionally connect as spouses, and to be formed through the witness of another married couple.
Our next Supper & Substance is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026 beginning at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center. The cost is $45 per couple and spots are limited. Country Chic attire encouraged.
Rose and Ryan Rea - Rose Rea is the founder of Radiant Magazine, now owned by Our Sunday Visitor, and creator of Spirit and Life: The Holy Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Lieutenant Ryan Rea is currently serving his 23rd year as a U.S. Navy SEAL now stationed at the Stennis Space Center. They have seven curious children with #8 on the way and co-authored Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 US Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor. Their Latest project, Albert's Expeditions, is a Youtube show inviting all to discover God's divine imprint within creation.
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