Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

'Happy Hour for Couples' Will Enrich Relationships

Posted on September 22, 2022 in: Events

'Happy Hour for Couples' Will Enrich Relationships

Couples, are you looking for a unique date night idea that will enrich both your relationship and your spiritual lives? Grab your favorite beverage and join other couples for an uplifting Couples’ Happy Hour that will inspire you and offer different perspectives about romance, relationships and family life. 

The Diocesan Catholic Family Services Office is sponsoring a virtual Couples’ Happy Hour the second Friday every other month beginning September 9 from 7-8:30 p.m.. Each evening will include a presentation on topics relevant to today’s couples, their relationship and families. Couples will have time to share privately on questions pertinent to the evening’s topic. 

Pat and Mary-Jo McLaughlin will host the program. They have been married for 32 years and have three adult children and two granddaughters. The McLaughlins have given many marriage enrichments and are a presenting team couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME), a Catholic-based marriage enrichment program. 

They have served in various leadership roles within WWME, most recently as the leadership couple for the Connecticut/Albany and Western Massachusetts area and before that as New England regional leaders. Mary-Jo is the current coordinator for Catholic Family Services and Pat is the director of public works for the City of Norwich. They are parishioners of The Holy Spirit Catholic Community at St. Mary Church, Jewett City. 

The Couples’ Happy Hour will take place online via a Webex platform. To register, call Mary-Jo at 860-848-2237, Ext. 312, or email her at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net. A link to the event will be sent out a few days prior to September 9. 

There is no cost to participate, just a desire to spend time enriching your relationship and join other couples in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring your favorite beverage.

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

The Blessing of Easter Baskets: Tradition, Symbolism and Holy Saturday Schedules
The Blessing of the Easter baskets is a long-cherished tradition in the Catholic faith. Rooted in religious significance and cultural heritage, it has come to hold profound meaning for people of all ethnic backgrounds. Its roots date back to the early 12th century history of Poland, and is now observed by many Eastern European countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Many Eastern Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, including Czechs, Croatians, Hungarians, Lithuanians, Russians, Slovaks and Ukrainians, also participate in this holy ritual. On Holy...

Read More

Solemnity of the Annunciation - March 25, 2026
Each year on March 25, the Church pauses to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the moment when heaven touched earth in a profound and life-changing way. The account of this sacred encounter is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26–38). On this day, we recall the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing news that would alter the course of human history: she was chosen to bear the Son of God. Scripture tells us: “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Jose...

Read More

Norwich Pilgrim Prayer Warriors - Our Diocesan Pilgrimage to the State Capital for the 5th Annual CT March for Life
Led by our fearless leader, Bishop Richard Reidy, we embarked on Wednesday, March 18th from a beautiful Pro-Life Mass celebrated by our Good Sheperd at the Cathedral to Hartford to attend the Rally and March For Life, peacefully praying and demonstrating for the respect of all life and the protection of the unborn. Bishop Reidy gave the closing remarks, prayer and blessing. For many of us, with the Cathedral School children attending the morning kick-off Mass, their precious young voices praying the Our Father, touched our hearts and brought tears to many eyes, making fo...

Read More

Bishop Reidy Reflects on the Hope of Holy Week
Carpe diem is an old Roman expression frequently translated as “seize the day.” It reminds us to take advantage of the present moment and not to let opportunity pass us by. Whether an athlete in competition, an investor in the market, or a suitor in love, opportunities must be recognized and grasped, or they can pass away and be lost. Holy Week is one such opportunity. It is the most important week of the Church’s year because it commemorates the most important events of history. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and our faithful acc...

Read More

An Inspiring Evening for Haiti Featuring Yale Professor Marlene Daut
Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Invites You to the 19th Annual Gala For the Love of a Child Charity Gala Saturday, April 18, 2026 A Villa Louisa 60 Villa Louisa Road Bolton, CT Purchase Tickets Join Bishop Richard F. Reidy for this special event benefiting the children of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Cocktails and appetizers begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner buffet. The evening will also feature Haitian crafts, artwork, a silent auction, and a keynote address by Marlene L. Daut, an award-winning author, scholar, and profe...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

EspaƱol

 

 

 

 

Latest Articles
Bishop Reidy Reflects on the Hope of Holy Week
The Week That Changed the World: Stories to Lead You Through Holy Week

 

Diocesan Women's Conference Speaker's Journey Inspires
Holy Week Schedule of Masses at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick
Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries Spring Clean Up
Palm Sunday Concert Planned at Cathedral of St. Patrick
An Inspiring Evening for Haiti Featuring Yale Professor Marlene Daut
The Blessing of Easter Baskets: Tradition, Symbolism and Holy Saturday Schedules
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294