December 15, 2023

Who or what helped you navigate the first years of married life?

The first years of marriage bear unique challenges for newlyweds as they adjust to each other and to their new state in life.

“The first years of married life need to be ‘accompanied,’ and newlyweds should not be left in solitude.” So says paragraph #74 of “Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life,” a 2020 document of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life. It also states that, “From the very beginning of married life, the couple needs to receive concrete assistance to live their interpersonal relationship in all sincerity” (#78).

For The Criterion’s upcoming Spring Marriage Supplement in February, we would like to hear from “experienced” couples as a way to help Catholic newlyweds.

What helped you overcome challenges in the early years of marriage? Was there anyone who accompanied you in your first years of married life? If so, how did they help you grow as a couple as you adjusted to marriage? If you were to accompany a newlywed Catholic couple, what would you do to help them in those first few years?

Please send your responses to Natalie Hoefer by e-mail at nhoefer@archindy.org or by mail in care of The Criterion, 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please include your parish and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. †

Local site Links: