Diocesan Marriage Summit

Looking to strengthen the vocation of marriage in your diocese?

We can help kick-start a parish-based marriage ministry movement in your diocese by collaborating with you to offer a one-day, invitation-only Diocesan Marriage Summit!

1. Gather pastor-selected delegates from every parish.
2. Communicate your bishop’s vision and plan for strengthening the vocation of marriage in your diocese.
3. Connect, inspire and encourage clergy and faith-filled married couples to do “just one thing”new in their parish to strengthen the vocation of marriage.

1. Why a Diocesan Marriage Summit?

1. It is simple! It is exciting! It is effective!
2. A vision will be given.
3. A mission will be received.
4. A network will be created.
5. A movement will begin.
6. The vocation of marriage will be strengthened in your diocese!

Many bishops want to strengthen the vocation of marriage in their diocese. For many, this has been a priority for years and it is now one of the five priorities of the USCCB 2017-2020 Strategic Plan. The release of Amoris Laetitia only adds impetus and inspiration for this work.

Parishes are the ideal place to strengthen the vocation of marriage. Yet, few parishes provide ministries or programs specifically for married couples. Often, if a couple wants to do something to strengthen their marriage, they usually have to look outside the parish to find a program, workshop or to attend a weekend retreat.

Many pastors want to do something to strengthen the vocation of marriage in their parish. Yet, they are so busy they often do not have the time to do more.

It is time to invite, encourage, and inspire faith-filled married couples (who know, love and live the teachings of the Church) to do just one thing new to help their pastor strengthen the vocation of marriage in their parish.

2. How does it work?

Annunciation Ministries collaborates with the bishop and his diocesan office to establish needs and an implementation plan.

Annunciation Ministries provides:

1. General consultation and support.
2. Marketing materials.
3. Keynote and workshop presentations.
4. Registration system.
5. On-site coordination.

The diocese provides:

1. Financial sponsorship (see below for more information on costs).
2. Coordination of venue.
3. Communication with parishes.
4. Logistical support.

The pastor:

Costs for the Marriage Summit vary depending upon:

1. How much support a diocese needs from Annunciation Ministries in the planning process.
2. The real costs (such as the venue and meal options).
3.  How many Parish Delegates each pastor may send. Our preference is that all clergy are invited (even if they cannot attend the entire time) and that every pastor is given an additional four “Golden Tickets” to send two married couples.

All of these items, however, are determined in consultation with the diocese. Additionally, it can be paid for either entirely by the bishop or a combination of the bishop and parishes.

Possible format of the Diocesan Marriage Summit:

The format of the day is flexible depending upon diocesan needs. We recommend it be minimally 1pm – 6pm; preferably longer to include a meal (on either or both ends of the day).

Time	Description
12:00pm – 1:00pm	Optional Lunch
1:00pm – 1:30pm	Bishop’s Welcome Keynote
1:50pm – 2:25pm	Three to Thrive Keynote
2:45pm – 3:30pm	Marriage Enrichment Breakout Sessions
3:50pm – 4:35pm	Marriage Ministry Breakout Sessions
4:35pm – 5:15pm	Networking or Eucharistic Adoration
5:30pm	Mass
7:00pm	Optional Closing Dinner Celebration

 

Endorsements from Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski, Most Rev. Peter Baldacchino, and Sr. Elizabeth Anne Worley, SSJ