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The Marriage and Family Life Ministry: Strengthening the Bonds of a Life Together in Christ
Marriage is a living sacrament, and the family is the fundamental unit of the Church and society — like any living thing, these must be nurtured to flourish and grow. For the past three years, the West Hawai’i and Maui Vicariates have worked to develop guidance that will allow parishes — including St. Michael — to start their own Marriage and Family Life Ministry. Through this ministry, married couples and families of all ages and walks of life have opportunities to grow together, strengthen their familial bonds, and share fellowship.
“Our definition of family includes married, with or without children, single, divorced, widowed, young or elderly, two-parent families, single-parent families, blended families, families with special needs and families in various life cycles of development,” says Karen Unger, who will coordinate the ministry along with her husband, Scott. “Throughout life, you’re always trying to better yourself, and that same thought process should be applied when it comes to family and marriage. It’s always important to strengthen your communication with your partner and your children, and you never hit the ceiling and say, ‘I’m done.’ There is always room for growth.”
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Although the ministry is just starting to take shape, it will include activities and opportunities for discussion and fellowship with other parish families.
“I think there is comfort in knowing that other families are going through similar things that you are going through,” Karen says. “We can support each other and collaborate, and share our wisdom as a group. There is strength in numbers!”
Karen and Scott, who have been married for 31 years and have three adult children, know firsthand how important it is to continue to work on the marriage relationship and keep it strong.
“In our own marriage, our foundation is our Catholic faith,” Karen says. “That’s always been where we’re coming from and where we’re going. If we all followed Jesus’ way and kept our families strong, we would have paradise here on earth. We want to be accepting to everybody, and aren’t here to judge anyone — we just want to help people build their relationships and families on a strong Catholic foundation.”
