“It’s a joy to celebrate this Mass because it highlights the importance of marriage, which is often overlooked as a powerful sacrament,” said Joanne DePasquale-Parent, director of the Archdiocese’s Office for Family Life Ministry. “Strong marriages create strong communities because families share the gifts of faith, service and sacrifice with their neighbors. In addition, by bringing children into the world, married couples provide a tangible sign of God’s love.”
The Wedding Anniversary Mass has been a long-standing tradition of the Office for Family Life Ministry, drawing couples from throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Couples who have since moved out of the Archdiocese return each year to receive Cardinal Tobin’s blessing. Families are welcome to attend.
“Bringing everyone together is valuable for all couples because they can learn from one another,” DePasquale-Parent said. “Younger couples can be inspired to see that they, too, can overcome challenges and reach 50 or more years of marriage. Older couples can reflect on their shared life and recognize that their selfless love has been worthwhile.”
In addition to the Wedding Anniversary Mass, the Office for Family Life Ministry will host two upcoming events supporting the sacrament of matrimony. On June 13, it will hold an educational summit to help couples navigate the early years of marriage. On Aug. 23, Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau will celebrate a Mass honoring engaged couples.
Beyond that, the office will continue pursuing its mission of strengthening family life through ministry support, educational programming and spiritual initiatives. Learn more by visiting www.rcan.org/family-life/.
About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 64 Catholic schools, the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, St. Andrew’s Hall College Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and numerous missions and ministries dedicated to faith, education and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
