BUILDING LEADERSHIP

The first building block is the task of Building Leadership. Through prayer, invitation, discernment and education, well formed leaders, both clergy and laity, are called and made ready to carry out the mission of a Marriage-Building Parish. This building block represents a marriage movement that, according to the U.S. Bishops, invites and includes the gifts of many, beginning with married couples themselves and welcoming also the service and witness offered by ordained ministers and by women and men in consecrated life.

From the U.S. Bishops

"We urge a renewed commitment by the entire Catholic community to helping those called to the vocation of married life to live it faithfully, fruitfully, and joyfully." (p. 58)

"We acknowledge with respect and gratitude all those who are working to defend, promote, strengthen, heal, and reconcile marriages, either through church ministries or in other professions and fields of endeavor. We pledge our collaboration with all who seek to create a vibrant culture of marriage rooted in God‘s plan for the good of humanity." (p. 59)

- excerpted from Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan
A Pastoral Letter of the USCCB (November 17, 2009)

Our Action Plan

1. Declare the "Marriage-Building Parish in the Year of Faith" initiative.
2. Provide ongoing catechesis, education and formation, in light of the authentic teaching of the Church, on why marriage is the union of one man and one woman and why this institution needs to be promoted and protected in society.
3. Review all parish ministries to make sure they are marriage-friendly.