Two of Us: Barriers to Belonging
How well do you give all of yourself to your spouse? Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer What a great gift You have given me in the Sacrament of Marriage.What a blessing! I raise to…
Read MoreIs Cohabitation Different to Marriage?
Is cohabitation different to marriage? Lots of cohabitors will say ‘no’. We regularly hear comments to the effect: “We’ve been living together for 5 years – we’re just as committed as any married couple!” They seem offended by the suggestion that couples in marriage would be seen as more committed than they are. We recall…
Read MoreTwo of Us: Attitudes About Sexuality
How do you use the gift of your sexuality in your marriage? Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer Father, tell me why I am not completely at ease with my sexuality. So often I’m tentative,…
Read MoreLove Busters and Love Builders
What are Love Busters and Love Builders? Love Builders: a behaviour or gesture which communicates love to you and helps you feel close and connected to your spouse. Some Examples: Cherishment Caring for me, being tender and gentle with me Being of service to me, doing things for me that I enjoy Nurturing me, doting…
Read MoreHelping Yourself Heal When Your Spouse Dies
This article is reposted from O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Homes about the loss of a spouse. Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Few events in life are as painful as the death of your spouse. You may be uncertain you will survive this overwhelming loss. At times, you may be uncertain you even have the energy or desire…
Read MoreTwo of Us: Qualities of Spouse
Refocusing on yourspouses qualities Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer Help me to really internalize all the wonderful qualities my spouse has. I often take his/her goodness for granted and look for other things. You…
Read MoreTwo of Us: Sexual Formation
How first learning aboutsex and sexuality affects you Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer My parents are important to me, Father. They have had such an influence upon me. I don’t always like the results. …
Read MoreMarriage Martyrdom
Blood Red In a sea of red, the Cardinals of the Church gathered over the past few weeks to farewell Benedict, elect his successor, and inaugurate Francis. The red of their dress signifies blood, not Christ’s blood, but their blood, that they have proven themselves ready to spill in service of the faith and the…
Read MoreTwo of Us: Personality Type
Personality influencing relationships Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer I am a very unique type of person. You had a lot to do with that, Father. After all, you made me in You image and…
Read MoreSmart Dating #5: The Raunch Woman
The Raunch Culture A fascinating trend has emerged in the last decade or two. ‘The Raunch Culture’ refers to a subgroup of single women who dress seductively and drink and talk like ‘one of the boys’. Indiscriminate sexual availability, coarse language, feigned obsession with all matters sporting and revealing clothes are standard. While some women…
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