Young Couples Ministry
Young Couples Ministry is an outreach to dating, engaged, and married
couples and young adult parents in their twenties and thirties.
Believing that the wedding day is just the beginning, we work to help
young couples in the first several years of their marriage - to help them
grow in love with each other, to be with them in difficult times,
and to work with them as they discern and build their new family.
For more about this ministry or for upcoming events for young couples in
the western and southern suburbs of Chicago, contact Paul Jarzembowski
at pjarzembowski@dioceseofjoliet.org or by calling (815) 834-4047.
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JAVA WITH JESUS
Meet other young couples over coffee (or food and drink of your choice) in small faith groups in your area.
We are developing these "Java with Jesus" groups around the Diocese of Joliet, so if you are interested in starting or joining one, contact Paul Jarzembowski at (815) 834-4047 or pjarzembowski@dioceseofjoliet.org. |
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Some Resources for Young Couples
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The Catholic Couples Bible (New American Bible translation, Fireside Press) is a must-have book for any and all engaged and married couples.
This Bible features articles on issues such as commitment, in-laws, prayer life, finances, forgiveness, intimacy, communication, and trust, among other topics. For more about this edition of the Scriptures, log onto the Catholic Couples Bible website. |
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Ten Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage (by David and Claudia Arp, Zondervan Press, 1997)
is organized around ten dates that couples will experience to learn five basic skills and five advanced skills to revitalize their marriages.
It is a fun way for individuals and small groups of young couples. Some area parishes also offer "10 Great Dates" seminars/sessions at their churches. |
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The Five Love Languages: How to Express Hearfelt Commitment to Your Mate (by Gary Chapman, Northfield Publishing, 1995) looks at the way people communicate and how couples can better "understand" how to listen and express themselves.
Even if there exists some unhappiness or complacency, this book helps us to look beyond regular conversation to real experiences of communication.
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As for Me & My House: Crafting Your Marriage to Last (by Walt Wangerin, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987/1990 expanded ed.) walks with couples on a journey towards seeing their marriage as a gift that must be nurtured and cherished.
This book can inspire couples to examine and understand themselves and view their own marriages with honesty and hope. |
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Spirituality at Work: 10 Ways to Balance Your Life on the Job (by Gregory F. A. Pierce, Loyola Press, 2001) is a guide for any young adult working in the world today (regardless of a person's job, location, or tasks).
In an enjoyable and easy-to-read way, author Gregory Pierce outlines ten practical ways to balance life and work, home and office, as well as our faith and our careers. |
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The Suburban Christan: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty (by Albert Y. Hsu, Intervarsity Press, 2006) is great for young couples living or working in the 'burbs.
Even though we escape to the suburbs for community, we often find ourselves isolated, overwhelmed by consumerism and materialism. In his book, Hsu helps us find some Christian answers in the midst of suburbia. |
