Marriage Ministry

Old St. Pat’s PreCana Program for Couples Being Married at Old St. Patrick’s and Church Members Married Elsewhere

We are delighted and honored that you have chosen to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at Old St. Pat’s. It is our firm belief that the mystery of God’s love will be experienced and demonstrated by you in wonderfully powerful and surprising ways in your marriage.

Old St. Patrick’s Church is inviting all couples who will be married in our Church and Old St. Patrick’s members who will be married elsewhere to a new PreCana program. This program will fulfill the requirement of the Archdiocese of Chicago which asks engaged couples to participate in a pre-marriage education seminar. The good news about our approach is that it is administered by staff and married couples from Old St. Pat’s who really have a stake in your marriage. We believe that you will be pleased by the program and enjoy meeting other engaged couples, who also will be married in our Church.

Another part of the program is experiencing the Foccus pre-marriage inventory,
a wonderful tool designed to promote your conversation about many aspects of the delightful journey of marriage.

The program is designed to happen on three consecutive Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m. until 4:45 p.m., followed by an invitation to attend 5pm mass with the team.

Divorce and Beyond, A Support Group

Divorce and Beyond is a new program at Old St. Pat’s, designed to offer support, fellowship and respect to our brothers and sisters experiencing or having completed divorce. We will accompany you through the emotionally challenging process, and nourish and empower you, as you transition to your transformed present and future. Everyone is very welcome to this 6-week support group, no matter where you are in the divorce process. It is important to know that you are not alone.

Topics will include: The Divorce Process; Self Image; Stress; Anger; Blame, Guilt; Loneliness; Forgiveness; Happiness; and Pathways to Growth.

We will meet for six Sundays from 10:45 to Noon on Sundays, beginning September 20, and concluding onOctober 25. Our gathering will be in Room 32 in The Jack Wall Mission Center, 711 West Monroe. Babysitting will be available.

Please call  Patty Stiles at 847.220.3011 or email: pstiles224@comcast.net to register or for further information. You may also call Jack Berkemeyer at Old St. Pat’s 312.798.2386.

Annulment

Old St. Pat’s continues the Annulment Support ministry designed to serve the needs of those who have experienced divorce and may be seeking an annulment through the church’s process. We wish to companion and support you through the process. Our Divorce Support Minister is Patty Stiles. You may contact her at 847.220.3011, or pstiles224@comcast.net.

Valentine’s Day Celebration of Married Love:
An Afternoon of Reflection

Please join us a Romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that is sure to be richer, more hopeful, and genuine if it is preceded by an afternoon of reflection and sharing about the love that gave birth to your marriage. Please consider retreating with members and friends of Old St. Patrick’s as we give thanks for the gift of our marriage.

Click here for more information.

Join us at Old St. Pat’s Church to celebrate your sacrament and renew your vows. A reception of appetizers and desserts will follow the Liturgy in the church hall.

Click here for more information.

First Year Marriage Anniversary Celebration

Again this year, we are honored to host a celebration of the first year of marriage for all couples at Old St. Pat’s who were married this past year. Whether you were married in January or December, at Old St. Pat’s or elsewhere, you are invited to a Friday evening celebration, date-night, hosted by married couples.

For more information please contact: Jack Berkemeyer at 312.798.2386 or email him at JackB@oldstpats.org.

Bringing Baby Home (BBH)

The Marriage Ministry is pleased to continue an exciting new program for firsttime parents experiencing the transition to parenthood. This two-day, two-weekend, research-based workshop helps new parents learn: what to expect during the transition to parenthood, how to strengthen friendship and intimacy, and how to co-parent with one’s partner using well researched child development knowledge and techniques. As attendance is limited, please make your reservations now by contacting Jack Berkemeyer at 312.798.2386, orjackb@oldstpats.org.

Marriage Un-Corked

Old St. Pat’s continues its Marriage date-night series this year on six Friday nights at Old St. Pat’s. All married couples newly married and veterans alike are invited to gather for pizza, beer and stimulating conversation on your favorite topic: marriage. We would be honored by your presence, and we meet from 7-9 p.m. in the church hall.