An invitation from Rosemary Keenan, Convenor for Marriage and Family, NBCW

When reflecting on the gospel accounts of life in the Holy Family do you ever wonder what happened in the detailed dialogue between Mary and Joseph? Drawing on your own experience of marriage do you ever try to fill in those gaps? Perhaps you find yourself thinking things like:  

• I told you it would be a busy time of the year and you should book a room in advance, now look where we’ve ended up staying with the baby; a stable of a place and no running water!
• Here I am exhausted after all my labours and you let in every well wishing shepherd, angelic host and wise man in the neighbourhood; not to mention their menagerie.
• How on earth did you dream up this little detour? Egypt wasn’t on our itinerary.
• If you were keeping an eye on him during the service, where is he now then?

Reflecting on your own marital experiences, you might begin to marvel that your marriage:

• Has stood the test of time

• Lasted as long as it did

• Raised such apparently normal children

• Didn’t result in a star appearance in proceedings at the Old Bailey

Whatever your experiences of marriage the National Board of Catholic Women is interested in knowing about them. The Marriage and Family Life Committee, of which I am Convenor, is keen to identify what contributes to sustaining marriage as a life long commitment and believes that Catholic women have plenty of experience in this field which they can share with the Church and those who may be thinking of taking the ‘plunge’.

Having produced a useful document which explains the annulment process we think it is time for us to explore the daily experiences that go to make a reality of the mystery of marriage as a sacrament.

We invite Catholic women of all ages to contribute, anonymously, their experiences of married life and we hope that it may be possible to produce a publication which enriches our understanding and appreciation of this unique and often under-valued sacrament.  At a time when co-habitation seems to be all the rage, let’s show that Catholic women are still 'bovvered' about the form their relationships take.  

Complete your contribution online

If you are experiencing difficulty with your marriage or family relationships please don't hesitate to call the Marriage Care national helpline (local call rate) Tel: 0845 660 6000 Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm

A flyer with details of how to contribute (pdf file 456kb)

Read the flyer online.