The diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will sponsor marriage enrichment events and a diocesan-wide celebration of the Sacrament in separate events scheduled throughout the summer and fall.
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held July 22 – 24 in Somerset. This program gives couples the time and tools needed to revitalize their romance, deepen their communication, and nourish the spirituality in their marriage. WWME is faithful to the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is a covenant that exists between one man and one woman.
Early registration is advisable as space is limited. To register for the weekend, or for further information on the Marriage Encounter program, see their website at www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org or call 732-904-9636.
St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold, is the site of a Marriage Ministry Gathering to be held Aug. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dr. Edward Sri of the Augustine Institute will speak on the marriage enrichment series “Beloved – Finding Happiness in Marriage.” All who are currently serving Catholic families, or wish to become involved in marriage ministry, are invited to attend.
Mass and a pie-tasting reception/pie-baking contest with prizes will also be held. To register for this free event and enter the pie-baking contest, contact Jossie Ruiz at 609-403-7151 or see dioceseoftrenton.org/marriageministry. St. Robert Bellarmine Parish is located at 61 Georgia Road, Freehold.
All couples celebrating their first, 25th or 50+ wedding anniversary during the 2016 calendar year are invited to gather with family and friends for the annual Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings. Participants will share in the Eucharist, renew their sacred wedding vows, and receive the Episcopal Blessing of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Anniversary couples from Ocean and Monmouth Counties may register through their parish for the Mass and Blessing to be held Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Couples from Burlington and Mercer Counties are invited to the Mass and Blessing in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, to be held Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. Registration deadline is Sept. 30.