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“Pay attention to details: -Don’t buy just any flowers – get her favorites. -Make a point of always wrapping his gifts in his favorite color.” (Gregory J.P. Godek, “1001 Ways to Be Romantic”)

Love is not simply a feeling; it is a decision. (Marriage Encounter principle) When the feeling fades – and it will at times – recommit to building your relationship. DO something loving for your spouse. Feelings are transient; love goes beyond feelings.

The OLS-SA Marriage Ministry is seeking pray-ers for our engaged couples as they prepare for marriage. The simple act of praying is very powerful and important. Join the Marriage Ministry Team as we pray for our couples. For more information, click the article title.

If you’re too busy to pray, you’re too busy. Pick a specific and regular time each day to say a prayer for your spouse such as, “Dear God, bless _____ today.” It might be when you start the car, wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc. It’s short, doesn’t take any extra time, just extra awareness of your beloved and entrusting him or her to God’s care. This works for kids too.

The years of marriage are never easy. However, with the help, guidance, knowledge, and experience of other married couples, you, too, can share the value and power of prayer—and what true love can do towards a happy marriage. Come to our “Meet & Greet” at 7:30 pm on March 20 in the Church Meeting Room at OLS. See what we can do for you!

There are many people in need, both physically and spiritually. The Catholic Church is now, and has always been the most involved with helping the poor and needy. If you want to help, one way you can is by contributing to the Annual Catholic Appeal, which provides, supports, and promotes many activities and services that help those in our diocese with material, educational, and spiritual needs. For more information, click the article title.

The Parish Respect Life Committee wishes to thank all those who participated in the campaign to ban late term abortion in New Jersey. A total of 725 post card sets were signed. These will be addressed and delivered to our legislators. Anyone who missed the opportunity last week but wants to send a postcard can sign up at the parish office.

World Marriage Day (WMD), celebrated on Sunday, February 10, honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. Click the article title for more information, and a special prayer for marriage.

A good argument can be a labor of love. Have something sensitive or difficult to talk about with your spouse? Try holding hands and maintaining direct eye contact when you are having a discussion about a disagreement.

Click the article title to see an excerpt from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops document by this title.

“When you work with people, it is a lot like mining for gold. You do not look for the dirt. You look for the gold.” (Andrew Carnegie) What affirming nugget can you say to your spouse today? It helps if it’s specific. It’s important that it’s true.

The psychological and spiritual wounds of abortion can be sharp, deep and crippling. You may feel a deep numbness and may not be able to name the pain or recognize any of the symptoms. Rachel’s Vineyard’s Retreat is a chance to focus on this painful time in your life through a supportive non-judgmental process, in an atmosphere of confidentiality, understanding, and compassion. If you or a loved one have suffered from this pain, click the article title to find out more about Rachel's Vineyard Retreats.

“All those ‘and they lived happily ever after’ fairy tale ending need to be changed to ‘and they began the very hard work of making their marriages happy.’” (Linda Miles, The New Marriage) Are there any fairy tale dreams I'm still holding on to that block my ability to love my spouse for better or for worse?

During December, more than 315 hours of service were provided by 49 volunteers to 53 persons. For more information about this ministry, click the article title.

Are you grieving? Are you blaming God for your loss? Do you want to know if this grief is normal? Look on the Grief Support page under Worship & Liturgy > Funerals for information on the stages of grief, some simple things you can do to help you get through it, and contact information for local grief support groups. You can get help.

The theme for the January 18 March for Life is Unique from Day One: Pro-life is Pro-science. The Hamilton and St. Gregory the Great Councils of the Knights of Columbus are co-sponsoring a bus trip to Washington, D.C. for this year’s Right to Life March on Friday, January 18. The bus will leave Our Lady of Sorrows’ parking lot at 7:30 am and return by 9:30 pm on January 18. Click the article title for details and registration information.

Having a disagreement? Try this: Rate how strongly you feel about the issue on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being “I would be devastated to give in on this one.” Spouse also rates the issue. Sometimes the partner with the lesser investment will be willing to give in - this time. Click the article title for more on what to do if the ratings are not that clear.

The OLS-SA Marriage Ministry would like to connect our engaged couples preparing for marriage with parishioners whose marriage has weathered the good times and bad times relying on Christ and prayer. If you would like to pray for an engaged couple, click the article title for information on who to contact.

“It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, writing to a young bride and group from his prison cell in Nazi Germany in 1943)

“In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find grounds for marriage." (Robert Anderson, Solitaire/Double Solitaire) This week discuss a significant value or belief that holds you and your spouse together.