Today’s video is a sneak peek from a new series on the mystery and meaning of marriage called Beloved. Its message is clear enough, so I don’t feel the need to explain much.

As a simple note, I would like to point something that I think is fundamental if we truly want to change the cultural tide: The necessity of face-to-face testimony. This testimony can happen in a variety of ways. It might be a case where those who have been living the married life for a few years now have the courage and charity to speak to younger generations about marriage, sharing both their trials and joys. Or it could mean the smile and joy that married couples transmit in their day-to-day life.

Beloved: The Mystery and Meaning of Marriage

Pope Francis speaks critically about how sometimes we seem to keep Jesus locked up in the sacristies, and how we fail to be a Church that takes him out the streets, to the existential boundaries. The same might be said for married couples too. Every Christian is called to be place, a heart, where others can find God. In today’s individualistic culture, seeing two people who live in true harmony necessarily raises some eyebrows. But that’s not enough! Take the next step to go and speak to your friends and co-workers about how you try to live your life. Be creative. Be respectful; but don’t keep your treasure locked away.

Let’s never forget: The Christian message, at its core, isn’t so much an institution to guard jealously as it is a love story to be shared. T

he political battle for the institution is certainly necessary and important, but it is not essential. It does not change hearts; only love can transform. Everyone, on the other hand, loves a story of love. Everyone is looking for love and if they see that you have it, they will want to know what’s different about you, where your joy and love come from. So go out and tell them!

Interested in learning more? Join us for a free online workshop!

Is An Annulment Just a Catholic Divorce?

6 Keys to Understanding Catholic Teaching In Our Upcoming Online Workshop!

What is the Challenge?

Annulments, some say it’s just “Catholic divorce.” Others believe that if you simply pay enough, the Church will “say” you were never married. But what is the truth? What, really, are annulments in the Catholic Church? What do they do? What’s the process? What did Pope Francis do a year or so ago that changed the process? And what effect does it have in my life?

What is the Online Workshop About?

In the Online Workshop we’re going to be discussing what for many people is a confusing topic: Marriage annulments. These are the points that Fr Bateman will explain:

• The Marriage bond – how it is contracted and what is required • What an annulment really says and does • Why the Church can “annul” non-Catholic marriages • What an annulment DOESN’T do • How the process works • How Pope Francis altered the process • Then we’ll have some time for your questions

• Apple+’s Spirited Is All About Conversion
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• Dear Coach…| A Letter To Catholic Youth Coaches
  I hope this finds you well. Before we get into the particulars, please allow me to take a brief moment to simply affirm you … right here, right now. Thank you for stepping up to coach. It often goes unrecognized but to coach means to make a decision: to lead others, to foster relationships, to… Read more: Dear Coach…| A Letter To Catholic Youth Coaches
• A College Student’s Guide To Advent
  As I walked from the campus library to my dorm with my roommate, we discussed our plans for the weekend. It was a temperate December day in Southwest Florida at Ave Maria University. “Don’t forget!” My roommate reminded, “Advent begins this weekend. Let’s go to the 8:30 am Mass on Sunday.” I agreed but was… Read more: A College Student’s Guide To Advent
• The Gestation Of Advent: The Wait Of Hopeful Longing For The Coming Of The Messiah
  Expectant waiting. This is a notion– when considered through the lens of modernity– that seems like a foreign concept from the days of yore. The world is available at the slight extension of the fingertips. Objects of both necessity and desire can be purchased with the simplicity of a click and arrive at the doorstep… Read more: The Gestation Of Advent: The Wait Of Hopeful Longing For The Coming Of The Messiah
• What Creed Do You Live By? Be Dangerous & Make A Stand!
  The following is an excerpt from 12 Rules For Manliness | Where Have All the Cowboys Gone Be Dangerous – Make a Stand “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1 Cor 16:13 “There is no man more dangerous than one who does not doubt his own rightness.”… Read more: What Creed Do You Live By? Be Dangerous & Make A Stand!

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I Want to Celebrate Marriage Says Pope Francis This Simple Method Of Praying With Your Spouse Will Improve Your Marriage! The Best Marriage Advice From Couples Who’ve Been Married 50+ Years! Online Workshop: Is An Annulment Just a Catholic Divorce? 6 Keys to Understanding Catholic Teaching These 10 Married Saints Teach Us How Marriage Can Lead To Holiness How To Have A Happy Marriage: Explained In 4 Infographics Does The Catholic View On Marriage Increase Tension Among Spouses? In Sickness And In Health: The Incredible Story Of A Marriage Founded In God Is Cohabitation Good for Marriage?