In a time when Pope Francis has to remind parents to teach their children and the whole family to say three words — “please,” “thank-you,” and “I’m sorry,” — it’s good to look to saintly parents who raised saintly children.

COLORADO SPRINGS. When Christian and Christine Meert were named co-directors of the Diocese of Colorado Springs’ newly- created Office of Marriage and Family Life in 2005, they essentially started with a blank slate. Now, 15 years later, the two can look back and see how their efforts have born fruit.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Call it a silver lining or unintended consequence, but one good thing to come out of the coronavirus pandemic is that engaged couples now have more time to focus on the sacrament of matrimony and the Catholic Church’s teaching about marriage.

Broken trust is one of the biggest impacts for a couple when there has been sexual betrayal or a pattern of pornography use.

COLORADO SPRINGS. With couples being cooped up together for extended periods of time these past few months, now might be a great time to consider taking advantage of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience Virtual Weekend. Normally, the virtual weekend experience is for couples who can’t get away for the entire weekend for a traditional Marriage Encounter Weekend. It allows couples to sleep in their own beds, and check in on children and animals during the meal time breaks.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Theresé of Lisieux, have been declared the patron saints of the Diocese of Colorado Springs’ Office of Marriage and Family Life, said Christian Meert, who directs the office along with his wife, Christine.