Diane Kledzik, Director for Marriage and Family Life, stated, "The sacrament of marriage is important because it visibly shows us how much Jesus Christ loved the Church, giving his entire life so that we would be forever in union with God. When a man and woman publicly commit to freely, fully, faithfully, and fruitfully love each other until death, with the help of God and the community, we witness a pledge to live that unconditional, sacrificial love. We better see how much we are loved by God."  

The grace received through marriage strengthens couples to extend love, forgiveness, and service, not only within their families but also to the broader society.  

Enriching and Supporting Marriages  

In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis acknowledges the challenges faced by modern families and encourages pastoral support for couples preparing for and living out the vocation of marriage. Many parishes, along with Catholic organizations and the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life, offer marriage enrichment opportunities to help couples grow in faith and love.  

One such initiative is the Together in Holiness Formation Series, designed for couples in their early years of marriage or raising children. This year-round program fosters small communities of couples who gather in homes for fellowship, faith formation, prayer, and practical tools to strengthen their marriage. Spanish-language materials and captioned videos make this resource widely accessible.  

For more information on bringing the Together in Holiness Formation Series to your parish, contact Genevie Alejandro at genevie@forlifeandfamily.org 

Special Celebrations and Events  

• Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving – February 9, 2025  

The Marriage Jubilee Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. This event honors couples throughout the diocese who will celebrate their 25th or 50th anniversary, as well as those celebrating 51 or more years of marriage during the 2025 calendar year.  

• Together in Holiness Conference – March 8, 2025  

Married and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Tampa. This one-day conference will help participants strengthen their relationship with their spouse and discover God’s plan for their family.  

Registration: $64 per couple and $5 per child for on-site childcare  

Scholarships: Available upon request  

This conference is presented by the St. John Paul II Foundation and the Diocese of Saint Petersburg  

For more information and to register, visit togetherinholiness.org/stpetersburg or email TH@forlifeandfamily.org   

Renewing Commitment to Strong Marriages  

As we celebrate National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day (Feb. 9), let us renew our commitment to fostering strong marriages in our communities. Whether through prayer, participation in marriage enrichment programs, or supporting couples in their journey, we all play a role in strengthening the gift of marriage.  

For more resources and upcoming events, visit Marriage Enrichment Resources and explore opportunities to grow together in faith and love.