Diocese recognizes 50-year marriages
By RENEE WEBB
Globe associate editor
Posted May 2, 2002

Couples married 50 years or more were acknowledged last year by Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo and were honored in their individual parishes for their long-term commitment.

"There truly are many people in our midst who have sustained this covenant relationship over a long period of time," noted Kay Morrissey, director of the Office of Adult and Family Ministries.

In a collaborative effort between the Office of Worship and the Office of Adult and Family Ministries, special blessings and intercessory prayers were created. Parishes had the option to honor the anniversary couples during weekend liturgies at their individual churches.

Parishes were also encouraged to submit names of persons married 50 years or more. The names of more than 1,700 couples were submitted to the diocese for a certificate of recognition.

Last week, all parishes received another copy of the special blessing. Just as last year, the diocese is encouraging individual parishes to recognize 50-year marriages with special recognition during Masses on a select weekend.

"This is certainly a sign of covenant to the rest of the community that is present - to see the example and witness of the people who stand for the blessing," said Morrissey.

Likewise, parishes are again asked to forward the names of couples that celebrated their 50th anniversary from May of last year. Since it is not guaranteed that parishes always know the names of those who have recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, family members are asked to call the parishes with the information.

Couples whose names have been sent in to the diocese will receive a recognition certificate.

Morrissey pointed out that they chose this time of the year to promote parish recognition because "traditionally" the majority of the weddings were held in June. However, she added, that isn't the case any longer.

Last year, when the diocese weighed its options for the type of recognition service, the parish level blessing was selected over a diocesan-wide service.

"We thought this was a sign of commitment that needs to be seen in every parish," she said. "It is the folks with whom they worship every week who can acknowledge these couples."

These couples, she added, offer a fine example of faithfulness.

"Throughout the centennial year, we are honoring the past and those who have been in our midst for a long time. We are also looking to the future as a sign of hope," said Morrissey. Couples who have made it to their golden anniversaries represent both strong commitment and hope.