Dear Friends,

Preparing couples for marriage is one of the most enjoyable aspects of priestly ministry. I have had the priviledge of helping prepare hundreds of couples, and my contact with them did not stop with their wedding. I have celebrated anniversaries with them, baptized their children, prayed with them in times of confusion. I see myself as part of each family, no matter how long ago their wedding or how far away they now reside.

I have also learned many things from these families. They have taught me about love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and generosity. They have supported my ministry with words of encouragement and prayer. They have inspired me by their love of God and their faithfulness to the Church.

Isn't that the way it should be? If as St. Paul wrote marriage is a sign of Christ's love for the Church, doesn't it make sense that strong marriages and families enrich the Church and keep us close to Christ? Doesn't it make sense that families
who stay close to Christ
will grow stronger and more loving?

I have prepared this booklet as a gesture of love and support for the engaged and married couples of the Diocese of Joliet.
It is a reflection on marriage and the gift of life.

Each chapter ends with reflection questions and a simple prayer. I hope that couples will read this booklet together, taking time to reflect and pray together as you do. I hope you will find in these pages nourishment for your love, wise guidance from God, and encouragement in discipleship. God bless you! May you always remember that God is the origin of your love.

Sincerely in Christ,
Bishop J. Peter Sartain

*************************************************************************

MAKING A CASE FOR MARRIAGE

Why does marriage matter? Why choose to get married? Why work to stay married? These and other such questions are on people's minds today.

For help in answering the questions many will turn to social science research. Fortunately there is a lot of helpful information in the research that affirms the role and value of marriage for individuals, families, and society.

Pope John Paul II has written: "The Church values sociological and statistical research when it proves helpful in understanding the historical context in which pastoral action has to be developed and when it leads to a better understanding of the truth" (On the Family, 5).

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, through its National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage has explored how Church belief and teaching about marriage are strengthened and confirmed by the findings of social science research. Click on the above link or For Your Marriage to find answers to these and other questions:

Why Isn't It Good to Live Together Before Marriage?

Why Do Children Need Married Parents?

Why Is Marriage Good For Both Men and Women?

Thinking About Divorce? Think Again.

What Promotes A Happy and Lasting Marriage?

What Are The Facts About Natural Family Planning?

What Difference Does Marriage Education Make?