Owensboro Diocese’s $100k Investment in Building Stronger Marriages
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro is making a significant investment of $100,000 to strengthen marriages across western Kentucky. The funds, half of which were raised with the help of community partners, and the other half provided through a matching grant from the Catholic Marriage Initiative, will be specifically allocated for marriage ministry. The Diocese has shown a strong commitment to supporting marriages through this initiative.
How the Diocese of Owensboro Raised $50k for Marriage Ministry
Raising the required $50,000 for the matching grant was no easy feat. The Diocese of Owensboro Office of Marriage & Family Life diligently sought new sources of funding to meet the grant’s requirements. They successfully raised the funds with the help of community partners such as the Michael Horn Family Foundation, 14 local Knights of Columbus councils, the Catholic Foundation of Western Kentucky, Owensboro Health Community Health mini-grant, and several private donors. These generous contributions from various sources allowed the Diocese to fully fund their end of the matching grant.
Expanding Grace Marriage: Diocese’s Effort to Strengthen Marriages
To increase participation and enhance the impact of the marriage ministry, the Diocese of Owensboro focused on expanding the Grace Marriage program. This parish-based, ongoing, small group model for marriage ministry provides couples with intentional time to assess, engage, and grow in their relationship. Prior to the grant, there were 55 participating couples in five parishes in the Owensboro area. With the support of the grant, the program has expanded to all corners of the Diocese, and three new locations are set to begin in early 2024. The Office of Marriage & Family Life organized “come and see” events in multiple locations across the Diocese and provided training to parish teams to ensure the success of the program.
Diocese of Owensboro: Investing in Marriage Ministry Projects
The funds from the Catholic Marriage Initiative grant are not solely dedicated to expanding Grace Marriage. The Diocese of Owensboro will use the grant to launch Red Bird Ministries, a ministry for those grieving the loss of a child. Another project called Life-Giving Wounds will address the needs of adult children of divorce and separation. The grant will also support the expansion of marriage retreats in Spanish and enhance existing marriage preparation and marriage enrichment programs. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the Diocese’s commitment to providing a range of resources and support for marriages at different stages.
Catholic Marriage Initiative Grant Supports Diocese’s Marriage Ministry
The Diocese of Owensboro was selected as one of the first five Dioceses in the country to receive funding from the Catholic Marriage Initiative grant in 2022. The grant application process required the demonstration of a balanced approach of “vision, skills, and support” in marriage preparation and enrichment programs. The Diocese’s commitment to ongoing marriage formation aligns with the Church’s teachings and the belief that marriage is a lifelong journey that requires continuous support and nurturing. The grant funds will greatly assist the Diocese in its mission to strengthen marriages and create a lasting positive impact on couples and families across western Kentucky.
In conclusion, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro’s investment of $100,000 in building stronger marriages through various ministry projects demonstrates its dedication to supporting couples and families. The fundraising efforts, coupled with the support of community partners and the Catholic Marriage Initiative grant, allowed the Diocese to achieve its financial goals. The expansion of programs like Grace Marriage, the launch of new ministries, and the enhancement of existing programs will undoubtedly contribute to healthier and more fulfilling marriages within the Diocese of Owensboro.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro has invested $100,000 in strengthening marriages in western Kentucky. The funds will be used for marriage ministry, expanding programs like Grace Marriage, launching new ministries, and enhancing existing programs. This shows the Diocese’s commitment to supporting couples and families. As an analyst, the market for marriage ministry programs and resources is expected to grow with the expansion and enhancement of these initiatives, resulting in healthier and more fulfilling marriages within the Diocese of Owensboro.
