National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage: First Year Report (2005)

National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage: First Year Report

In November, 2004 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops unanimously approved a proposal from the Committee on Marriage and Family Life that the USCCB undertake a National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage. The Initiative is a broadly-based collaborative effort to strengthen marriage as a human institution and as a sacramental reality. It will make a pastoral letter its centerpiece, emphasizing the bishops’ teaching and pastoring responsibilities. It will deal with contemporary concerns about marriage from a foundation in Catholic doctrine and pastoral practice. It will draw from the experience and expertise of many, including married couples. It will address various audiences within the Catholic community, and also offer a positive message and evangelizing witness to society. It will directly produce and encourage others to produce resources that help local pastoral ministers to do more effective teaching and pastoral care.  

This multi-year project involves several phases. The first (2005-2006) consists of research and consultative activities. The second (2007-2008) involves the drafting, revision, and approval of the pastoral letter. During the third phase (2008 and beyond) the Committee will work with other organizations to produce parish-based resources to improve marriage ministry. 

USCCB-FLWY-National-Pastoral-Initiative-on-Marriage-First-Year-Report.pdf