I came across this beautiful little wedding tip from “For You Marriage Blog” which was original given and inspired by Pope Francis.

“Remember…the wedding is only the beginning!

Pope Francis encourages everyone in the Church to help couples live out married life. “They need to be encouraged to see the sacrament not as a single moment that then becomes a part of the past and its memories, but rather as a reality that permanently influences the whole of married life” (AL, no. 215). The Sunday after the wedding (and every Sunday!), be sure to come back to church and meet your community again, this time as husband and wife. And remember that the vows you say at your wedding day are all in the future tense (“I will”); they “involve a totality that includes the future: ‘until death do us part’” (AL, no. 214).”

Brandon and I can definitely attest to the need for our church community as a married couple. There is such great dignity found in being part of a community, being known by others and knowing others. To be seen as a couple and to see other couples. To pray not only with your spouse but to pray with and entire community. Community is so life giving!

Brandon and I have found that the more we give of ourselves to our church community the happier we are as a couple and the happier our family is as a whole. And then the obvious, attending Mass every Sunday, it keeps us on a solid steady foundation for our marriage. We highly suggest getting involved in your community as a married couple. It will help you grow and develop such a solid marriage.

If your reading this thinking my husband and I have been away from the church to long to go back, know that your community does not feel like that. It is never too late to get back into your community. We have no doubt that your community would love to see you and welcome you with open arms.