JESUSCARITASEST.ORG: AUSTRALIA : CELEBRATING THE VOCATION OF MARRIAGE

Monday, May 7, 2012

AUSTRALIA : CELEBRATING THE VOCATION OF MARRIAGE

DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA REPORT:

Photo: Jack Crombie.

By Karolyn Ellis, CatholicCare Social Services - Diocese of Parramatta Pre Marriage and Family Relationship Education Services Manager.
What a sight on Sunday 22 April to see so many families from around 20 Parishes enjoying the beautiful day and wonderful surroundings of the Mercy Congregation Centre, spending time together and celebrating the vocation of marriage.
The inaugural Celebrating the Early Years of Marriage event was organised by the Marriage and Family Relationship Education Services of CatholicCare Social Services - Diocese of Parramatta (CCSS), to promote and highlight the importance and value of marriage and to give parishioners of the Diocese an opportunity to show their support for marriage.

Maintaining a strong couple relationship

Celebrating the Early Years of Marriage News Story

Photo: Jack Crombie.

After receiving a huge amount of Parish and Diocesan support for CCSS's other annual September event, Celebrating the Journey (honouring the anniversaries of couples married for 25 years and beyond), we felt there was an opportunity to show support for those couples embarking on marriage and to validate the struggle and sometimes more difficult tasks of raising a family, as well as maintaining a strong couple relationship in the early years of marriage.

The Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, officiated at the Mass in St Patrick's Cathedral Parramatta and welcomed guests with a blessing before lunch as well as enjoying time meeting the attending families and couples who attended.
More than 56 couples and 90 children registered for the event, with 16 volunteers from CCSS Pre Marriage Education, Natural Fertility Planning Education, CCSS staff and seven members of the Christ the King North Rocks Parish Youth Group who all willingly gave their time to prepare the lunch venue, entertain the children and welcome families to the event.

A secure cradle for raising children

Photo: Jack Crombie.

Feedback from those couples attending was very positive towards showing support for marriage and this event. Couples said they looked forward to attending these events to celebrate their significant wedding anniversaries (1st, 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th), and of the value of bringing their children to St Patrick’s Cathedral as a first time experience.

Supporting couples in their marriage is very important to CCSS. Research has shown the benefit and importance of a strong and committed couple relationship as a secure cradle for raising children.
CCSS would welcome any feedback or suggestions about this event or other event ideas in support of families and marriage.
Please contact Karolyn Ellis. Ph: 02 9933 0222.