June 13, 2014: The Covenant of Love Ministry date night St. Joseph Parish Hall 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

COVENANT OF LOVE

Created by The Alexander House Apostolate, the Covenant of Love Ministry is more than a ministry; it is a call to action, an initiative, and a resource offered to parishes designed to strengthen marriage ministries or to help build a foundation to create one. This Marriage Ministry works to educate, strengthen, promote, and advocate the splendor, beauty and truth of God’s plan for marriage.

In the Gospel Christ teaches us in that a married couple is “no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Matthew 19:6) But marriage is hard, and too often, couples receive little or no help from their local parish.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reported that a majority of married couples show a real desire for more marriage enrichment and educational activities at the parish or diocesan level, such as adult faith formation classes, support groups, retreats, and mentoring for couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriages.  Long before these desires were identified, The Alexander House Apostolate was already piloting what is now know as the Covenant of Love Ministry.

Since 1999 The Alexander House Apostolate, has helped hundreds of couples reconcile and has assisted them in living out joy-filled marriages. Through this apostolate they also saw a clear need for a parish-based marriage ministry. Their approach has been called, by others, the practical application of Theology of the Body; it combines theology, psychology, and practical experience to strengthen, sustain, and restore marriages.

It will advocate for the dignity, sanctity and permanence of marriage and most importantly will be a vehicle to provide practical tools for couples to successfully and joyfully live out God’s plan for their vocation of marriage, in turn giving them encouragement and hope in their marriage relationships.