‍

‍

Marriage Catechists from across the Diocese joined Bishop Richard and our Marriage & Family Life Advisor, Deacon Simon South, at The St Philip Howard Centre in Crawley last week. Central to the day was a valuable exploration of how best to support couples preparing to enter into the vocation of marriage, in light of Bishop Richard's Pastoral Plan The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission.

Speaking after the event, Simon South said:

‍

"It was wonderful to welcome so many people to our Marriage Catechists' Day. Looking to the future, we plan to explore how catechists can support their parish priest and the vocation of marriage beyond a couple's wedding day".

‍

Pope Francis has often highlighted the importance of marriage as a lifelong commitment. Writing in Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), the Pope said:

‍

"[A couple's] union is real and irrevocable, confirmed and consecrated by the sacrament of matrimony. Yet in joining their lives, the spouses assume an active and creative role in a lifelong project. Their gaze now has to be directed to the future that, with the help of God’s grace, they are daily called to build."

‍

‍You can find out more about Marriage and Family Life - including marriage preparation and support - on our Marriage and Family Life pages.