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A resource for couples wishing to grow in their relationship through improved communication and a resource for the support and enrichment of families.
Coordinators: Jim & Ann Hoffman, 202.362.4510, hoffmanja2@msn.com
Upcoming Marriage and Family Life Retreats
Throughout a married life, couples and parents experience joys as well as difficulties, but you are not alone. Do take advantage of these worthwhile experiences.
To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation On Love in the Family, named “Amoris Laetitia/Joy of Love”, Blessed Sacrament is offering three 90mn virtual sessions to explore important topics that impact your relationship with your spouse and your children.
Whether you are engaged, newly married, have children or not or celebrated your 50th Anniversary, these topics are worth looking into if you wish to live a harmonious and fulfilling life, reflecting God’s love.
Monday 25 October 2021, 8 to 9.30pm – Thoughts versus Feelings
Monday 31 January 2022, 8 to 9.30pm – Ideals versus Values
Monday 4 April 2022, 8 to 9.30pm – Expectations versus Reality
These sessions will be led by long time parishioners Jim and Ann Hoffman who have been in ministry to couples for 45 years (Couples Retreats, Marriage Preparation, Baptism, Communication Workshops, Bereavement). They have been married 58 years and have two children and four grandchildren. To attend, send an email to Jim and Ann Hoffman at hoffmanja2@msn.com and you will receive a Zoom link. For more information, call 202-486-8291
Marriage Encounter, Nov 5-7 (virtual experience), for couples who want to reconnect and revitalize their marriage. To register or for more information 301-541-7007, https://moments4marriage.org
Life-Giving Wounds Online Retreat, 7 Thursdays, from Sept 30 to Nov 11, 8.15-10pm, for Adult Children of Divorce. www.lifegivingwounds.org/onlineretreat
Marriage Moments for October 2021*
Oct. 4: At the beginning of this summer many of us thought that the Covid-19 pandemic was winding down. Now we’re not so sure. How have Covid restrictions been hard on your marriage? Are there any ways that new practices have enlivened your love?
Oct. 11: “I prayed, and prudence was given me.” (Wisdom 7:7) How one talks with God (prayer) varies from person to person. Some like memorized prayers, some read scripture, some quietly meditate… Share what style is most meaningful to each of you.
Oct. 18: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” (Mark 10:43) Certainly in marriage couples serve each other in various ways, and that is good. Why not mix it up this week? Do your partner’s usual job or an extra task. Enjoy the change of pace.
Oct. 25: Halloween is coming up when folks wear costumes and pretend to be scary, beautiful, funny, or… Fantasize together. In your dream world, who/what would you like to be? Laugh together.
Parenting Pointers for October 2021*
Oct. 1: October is Respect Life month. Are there people that you find difficult to respect? (criminals, people who are lazy or mean, people of a different political persuasion…) Yes, even these are worthy of human respect. Talk to your children about giving respect – even to people they don’t like.
Oct. 8: “Go, sell what you own, and give to the poor.” (Mark 10:21) Invite everyone in your family to choose one possession this weekend to give to someone who needs it. Let it go.
Oct. 15: The Covid-19 pandemic has changed work habits, shopping, school routines, eating, and socializing. Sometimes all the precautions can get tiresome. Take a break. Try a family walk in nature this weekend. Listen, watch, appreciate.
Oct. 22: Sunday, Oct. 24 is United Nations Day (https://www.un.org/en/un75). It commemorates humankind’s efforts to live peaceably together. Not easy for a family or our planet. There are 193 nations in the world. Invite family members to Google a country that you don’t know much about and share an interesting tidbit.
Oct. 29: Both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5) and New Testament (Mark 12:30) tell us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Easy to say, but what does this look like – to pray more? To help someone out? To put up with hardships? Other?…Yes.
*Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers are provided by Susan Vogt
Marriage Preparation:- Blessed Sacrament Marriage Prep: contact one of our priests at least 6 months in advance of marriage date. Click here for more info or call 202.966.6575
- Engaged Encounter: www.dcengagedencounter.org 301.460.6404
Married Couples:- Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a weekend experience to improve your communication skills. https://moments4marriage.org
- Retrouvaille (Rediscovery), for couples contemplating separation or divorce. https://retromd.org
Separated and Divorced:- Annulment: www.adw.org/archdiocesan-offices/office-canonical-services/or write to tribunal@adw.org 301.853.4543
- Support Groups: Holy Trinity, Georgetown, Jack Harlee at jharllee@gmail.com
St Elizabeth, Rockville, Linda Luisi at lcluisi@verizon.net- Chaplain for Separated and Divorced: Fr. Beaubien, BeaubienD@adw.org- 301.475.8064
- For Adult Children of Divorce: Life-Giving Wounds Ministry, Dan & Bethany Meola at info@lifegivingwounds.org and their blog article Utilizing the Temperaments for Adult Children of Divorce (ACOD)
Marriage and Parenting tips:
Other Blessed Sacrament spiritual and social ministries:- Young Adults -A spiritual and social group for young men and women. Email: emagro@blessedsacramentdc.org
- Young Families – Faith focused social events for families with children between newborn and 5 years old. Email: bsyoungfamilies@gmail.com
- MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) – A spiritual and uplifting 8 week journey. seidelmaryO@gmail.com
- TMIY (That Man is You) - A practical way for men to integrate faith in daily life. Email: gvbritton02@gmail.com
- Walking with Purpose – Bible study for women with small group discussions that tackle the questions of everyday life. Contact: Renee Redpath, rjredpath@gmail.com 703-309-7310
- Camp Maria – A fun weekend retreat for the whole family. susanmariecampbell@yahoo.com (Labor Day weekend), matthewzogby@gmail.com (weekend after Labor Day)