Marriage workshop will describe 'Fulfilling God's Dreams for Us'

Friday, Jan. 22, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — “Marriage is a journey. How do we return to the original dreams we had, while building on new dreams?” asked Veola Burchett, director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Marriage and Family Life, which will present Steve and Kathy Beirne as the speakers at the annual diocesan Marriage Enrichment.

With the theme “Fulfilling God’s Dreams for Us,” the Beirnes will emphasize the importance of mercy in a marriage, in keeping with this Jubilee year.

“They are absolutely wonderful. I have known them for 20 years now. They have been active working with marriage enrichments and also with engaged couples,” said Burchett.

Steve and Kathy Beirne have extensive experience in marriage and family education, catechetics and marriage ministry. They are the editors and publishers of Foundations Newsletter, a premarital resource, and Catholic and Newly Married, an award-winning book published by ACTA Publications. They live in Portland, Maine, and are the parents of seven children.

“They want to talk about marriage as a journey that we all go along. … In our lives we get into routines on daily basis:  We get up, we drink coffee. … We get used to routines, and what they want to do is get us out of those routines and help us remember when we were first dating, when you were first engaged. … What did you want to see for your life? And how those came true and how have they improved with time, or sometimes [things] we sort of were working on, but maybe we could focus on them again,” said Burchett.

In their ministry, the Beirnes offer different topics, including recommendations of books and movies on marriage spirituality, and also questions for reflection and discussion, Burchett said.

“They also talk about things like dealing with the in-laws, dealing with family finances, stewardship, etc,” said Burchett, adding that a quote from Pope Francis, “Have to courage to be happy,” will be also a core of the presentation.

“What a wonderful motto for a marriage: ‘It takes courage; it takes commitment,’” said Burchett.

The workshop is suitable for both married and engaged couples. After the daylong workshop, people are invited to attend Mass, followed by a dinner. “Join us for this workshop and re-discover how God is on the journey with us and can help us to plan a better, more vibrant marriage,” said Burchett.

The Beirnes will also be speaking at St. Vincent de Paul Parish on Monday, Feb. 15, as part of the Benvegnu presentations. They will be talking about the bond between family and the Christian community in a presentation titled “A Crucial Covenant.” This presentation will be at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

WHAT: Marriage workshop

PRESENTERS: Steve and Kathy Beirne 

WHERE: St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s Benvegnu Center, 1385 E. Spring Lane, SLC

WHEN: Feb. 13,1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.   

COST: $35 per couple  

The workshop will be followed by Mass at 5 p.m. in the church. An optional dinner is also available. Dinner tickets are $25 per couple.