Loving marriages more important than ever

National Marriage Week is observed during the month of February, highlighting the importance of marriage to our society. The challenge these days, of course, is that there is a lot of confusion about marriage. Along with the confusion about the nature of marriage we are also experiencing a decline in the number of people marrying, whether civilly or in church.

Given all the difficulties the institution of marriage faces in our time, the witness of stable, faithful, fruitful, and loving marriages is more important than ever.

In our Diocesan Vocations Prayer, we implore our heavenly Father for “an increase is religious vocations and holy marriages in the Diocese of Rapid City.” Most vocations to priesthood and religious life come from parents who joyfully and faithfully live out their vocation to sacramental marriage. It is vital that we continue to storm heaven with prayers for vocations to the religious life and to marriage.  Both vocations are essential for the health of the church in western South Dakota and our West River society at large.

While articulating the church’s teaching on marriage will continue to be important in the midst of the confusion of our times, I believe the example of those living out marriages will have a greater impact. After all, as Pope St. Paul VI stated, people learn better from witnesses.  In other words, married couples who are faithful and welcome the children God sends them, fostering a loving and supportive family, shine like beacons of hope for our parishes and communities.

I want to thank our Office of Family Life Ministries for all it does to support holy marriages in our diocese.  This month alone the office sponsors a Married Sweethearts Holy Hour, Mass and Dinner; a Heart to Heart Engaged Couples Retreat; and a Natural Family Planning Seminar.  These efforts help promote the vocation of marriage and support married couples.

Please continue to pray for vocations to marriage in our diocese and thank the couples and families in your communities who live out God’s plan for marriage.

+ Bishop Peter