Covenant of Love :: Strengthening the Church One Marriage at a Time

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Designed with parishes in mind

Finally - a marriage program that really works!

Revitalize your parish!

Begin now with Covenant of Love.

Home About History of the Ministry
History of Covenant of Love
 
Several years ago, Greg & Julie Alexander began to experience a splintering in their marriage, lives, home and children; all was failing. When they hit “rock bottom” they instinctively turned to their parish, their church, looking and searching for answers, help, wisdom and guidance. There seemed to be no real, concrete guidance. Ultimately, a Catholic therapist suggested that they divorce, and then the Holy Spirit intervened. A dear priest took the time to listen and offer direction to the Alexanders, and as they say, the rest is history!

What does the state of marriage in our society look like?

  • The marriage rate declined by more than 40% in the past 30 years and the rate of Catholics who marry in the Church are declining just as fast.
  • Many young adults are delaying marriage until an older age.
  • The rates of cohabitation are increasing as many are living together as preparation for marriage or as an alternative to marriage.

The laity have become aware of the issues that plague marriage and believe that more should be done at the parish and diocesan level. Some of the thoughts of married couples who participated in a series of focus groups commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that were held across the nation believed their parish was not seen as a direct support for marriage, their parishes do not sponsor marriage enrichment activities on a regular and ongoing basis (e.g., retreats for married couples, support groups, workshops). Participants asked for more opportunities for adult faith formation, small groups/support groups, retreats, mentoring, more preaching about marriage, and helpful resources and referrals for troubled couples.

Since 1999, The Alexander House has been successfully working with couples in the various stages of their marriage and have created resources that work to prepare, strengthen, sustain and restore marriages at the parish level. Their methodology of creating programs and services through The Alexander House stems from all of the data gathered from the hundreds of couples coached through their process and the surveys gathered from the thousands of couples who have attended a workshop or conference hosted by The Alexander House. The Alexanders have consulted with experts across the nation in the development of their programs and resources and work to provide solutions that include a comprehensive thought to address the issues and concerns of marriage education and enrichment, and it all has been enveloped into a program called