Office of Marriage and Family Overview
“The future of humanity passes by way of the family.”
~ Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, n.86
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MISSION STATEMENT
Under the umbrella of the Diocesan Respect Life Office, the Office of Marriage and Family strives to build a culture of life and a civilization of love by promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, human sexuality, and the family. Programs of marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, family resources, and pastoral support services, serve to invite all people to embrace God’s glorious plan for marriage and family through each and every human person created in His image and likeness.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of Marriage and Family
Diocese of Worcester
49 Elm Street
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone: (508) 929-4311
Fax: (508) 753-7180
Mrs. Allison LeDoux, Director
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Diocesan Policy for Marriage Preparation (downloadable in 3 parts, click on each link below)
Marriage Policy - Part One
Marriage Policy - Part Two
Marriage Policy - Part Three
For more information on Marriage Preparation and the newly updated Diocesan Policy for Marriage Preparation, click here.
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THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON LOVE
At the national and local level, the Church has been responding to the many challenges faced by married couples. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is in the midst of a multi-year National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage. In the summer of 2007, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference launched a prayer and education initiative about the vocation of marriage. All the faithful are encouraged to join in praying the daily marriage prayer (below). The educational materials for this initiative are available in all parishes. Resources may also be downloaded at www.MassCatholicMarriage.org.
To browse The Future Depends on Love Marriage Initiative website, visit: www.MassCatholicMarriage.org
DAILY MARRIAGE PRAYER
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the Holy Family, help us treasure the gift of marriage that reflects the love of Christ for the Church, where the self-giving love of husband and wife unites them more perfectly and cooperates in your plan for new life created in your image. Help us support men and women in their vocation of marriage, especially in difficult times when they join their sufferings to the Cross. Help us uphold the institution of marriage in our society as the place where love is nurtured and family life begins. Help us acknowledge that our future depends on this love and on your providential care for us. Amen.
Nihil Obstat: Rev. Mark O'Connell, JC Imprimatur: Sean Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap. Archbishop of Boston May 15, 2008
