Since you said ‘I do’
rings
Married couples invited to share their experiences on family, faith and vocation
The Office of Family and Respect Life Ministry is collaborating with several parishes around the diocese to host evenings called, “Cocktails, Dinner and Conversation.”
The evenings are geared toward couples who have been married 15 years or less to strengthen community, empower discipleship and build marriage and family life leaders in parishes. The couples will be accompanied by trained core teams whose focus is on marriage and family life.
Core teams consist of couples discerned and invited by their pastors and parish staff to join a team trained in the language and process of Intentional Accompaniment. This approach involves actively walking alongside individuals on their spiritual journey, offering support and guidance as they grow closer to God. The facilitators serve as companions who actively listen and encourage thoughtful reflection.
Lisa Hall, director of the Office of Family and Respect Life Ministry, said the events will allow attendees to build connections with other couples through easy conversations about marriage, family and faith. Even more, the Holy Spirit will be invited into the conversations to ask where he might be guiding them and how their parish leaders can further minister and support them.
“Core team couples at each table will facilitate the discussions — everything from inviting guests to describe their wedding day [to] what their faith life was like growing up and what they would like to see in their parish community going forward,” Hall explained.
Hall said, “Cocktails, Dinner, and Conversation” is more than an event or another program.
“This approach to ministry ties in with several initiatives that Bishop Lucia has asked us to focus on,” she said. “They include parishes in Vicariates working together as well as the team approach where leaders work together to invite people to know Christ or know Him better so we can meet needs, love one another and build the Kingdom as pilgrims of hope.”
The sessions will take place on Saturday evenings at the following parishes. Children are welcome to attend.
February 15
Divine Mercy/Sacred Heart will be at Sacred Heart Church in Cicero
February 22
St. Rose of Lima, N. Syracuse
March 7
Pope John XXIII and Christ the King will be at Pope John XXIII Church, Liverpool
March 22
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, Utica
To learn more or attend an event, contact Kristin Dievendorf at 315-472-6754 ext. 2 or [email protected].
