MADISON — In the ongoing National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage, the U.S. Catholic bishops call attention to the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society.
Bringing Catholic belief into dialogue with contemporary needs, the bishops urge the Catholic Church to become a community of hope and help for marriages and to join others in building a culture of marriage.
The initiative weaves together the Catholic faith tradition and its pastoral practice, the data of social science, and the experience of married couples to offer guidance and resources, including a pastoral letter, to promote, strengthen, sustain, and restore marriages.
The bishops believe that the Catholic Church can make a distinct contribution to society by shaping public awareness about the value of marriage.
This year, the bishops designated the theme of Catechetical Sunday “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love,” calling upon all those involved in catechesis to join in the critically important work of creating parishes which intentionally strengthen marriage. The November regional gatherings for catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Madison this year look at how we might best do this.
In addition to parish catechetical leaders, anybody else who is interested in this topic and who might contribute to the work of this pastoral initiative (such as those in parishes who facilitate parish life or marriage preparation) are welcome to attend the regional gatherings. As always, pastors are most welcome.
All sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dates and locations are as follows:
- Madison, Bishop O’Connor Center — Thursday, Nov. 4
- Janesville, St. John Vianney Parish — Tuesday, Nov. 9
- Jefferson, St. John the Baptist Parish — Tuesday, Nov. 16
- Madison, Bishop O’Connor Center — Wednesday, Nov. 17
- Platteville, St. Mary Parish — Thursday, Nov. 18
- Montello, St. John the Baptist Parish — Tuesday, Nov. 23
Register at http://www.madisoncatholic.org/oec/RegionalGatherings/registration.asp