Winter has always seemed to be a time for me to reflect on the past year. In our household it’s a little less busy than the other seasons. As I look forward to Spring and the warmer weather, I think about the many important people in my life. I am always so grateful for a happy marriage, a kind and caring daughter, and my wonderful parents.
This month my parents will celebrate their 50th anniversary, a beautiful milestone. Love, dedication, communication, support and understanding are all key to a happy and healthy marriage. One of our very important ACA ministries, Catholic Family Services, offers resources to support our parishioners. A resource can be defined as a source of supply, support or aid.
Catholic Family Services, an ACA-supported ministry, offers resources and support to parishes and families to promote and celebrate happy and holy marriages and families. The office has programs for marriage preparation, enrichment and support, and natural family planning. It serves as a resource for the bereaved, divorced and separated, and those seeking post-abortion healing.
Your generosity throughout this past year allowed the ACA to support our ministries.
The pandemic is still affecting people. Many couples have had to adapt to working from home together and possibly limiting plans with friends and family depending on the circumstances. This can be very challenging for a marriage.
Catholic Family Services provides guidance and marriage enrichment support for both the easygoing times and when a couple may be facing some struggles.
“Whether a couple is preparing for married life, looking for ways to enrich their good marriage or seeking a lifeline to negotiate the rough waters of a troubled marriage,” Mary-Jo McLaughlin, coordinator of the office, said, “I assist and support them through a variety of resources and programs.”
Catholic Family Services is just one of the ministries supported by our Annual Catholic Appeal. With your support and generosity, Catholic Family Services can help couples fulfill marriage preparation requirements, assist in navigating the challenges of a troubled marriage, aid those coping with family loss and show the beauty and blessings of natural family planning.
As our campaign kicks off, please consider a monetary gift to the ACA to help our ministries carry out their spiritually-affirming and life-changing missions. To make a contribution to our 2022 ACA “One Faith, One Family,” please go online to www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or contact Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at 860-886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Enjoy the winter season and stay safe.
By Gina Foster