“Many marriages need MHSF. Many people have wounds they may not even be aware of. And then the lies we tell ourselves that come from those wounds. The devil knows just how to feed these thoughts only to divide us even further. We are so grateful for the apostolate.
MHSF was an answer to our prayers.”- MHSF Alum
It is estimated that of all churches in the United States, 3 out of 4 lack notable marriage ministry or have any kind of ministry for newly married couples. Upwards of 94% of mainline churches put zero dollars towards specific marriage ministry. (Barna Group Survey, 2019)
The Sacrament of Marriage is not a second-class vocation or a life towards Holiness that is unimportant. It is Essential, and we are on a mission to show married couples The truth and goodness about the Sacrament of Marriage.
The vision of MHSF is in our name: to create and build up missionaries in and for the family, through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Our primary work in this apostolate is through our flagship formation: MHSF Chapters. Each January, new chapters will begin at various “host parishes”, initiating a 21 month process of marriage formation and community.
To begin the process, however, requires some preparation.
In simple terms, MHSF Chapters work to bring much needed post-marriage formation and community to couples through monthly gatherings for a local community.
These chapters are facilitated by a lead couple with the aid of a priest or Deacon as able. Chapters gather monthly for a period of 21 sessions answering two basic questions:
Objectively, we ask the question: “What are we?”- Couples will be steeped in the Church’s teaching on the family, and the family according to what God has revealed.
Subjectively, we seek: “How do we become that?” - This is our response to Truth. Once we know what the family is, each family can begin to live as they are uniquely called.
Gatherings include a communal meal, spiritual formation, small group discussion and discussion between spouses, and time with our Lord in adoration and confession.
MHSF chapters follow a curriculum that guides every individual through one’s relationship with God, one’s true identity (found through that relationship), and living out one’s vocation (mission) in marriage.
Couples are given the gift of time through our formation, and will spend approximately 21 months learning and integrating the truths of our faith into their marriages and lives.
To learn more about joining or starting a chapter, click here or go to: www.mhsfonline.org/joiningmhsf
Starting a new MHSF chapter is not complex, but it does require discernment, intentionality, and true commitment from both spouses. (This also rings true if you’re discerning and considering this as a priest or deacon.)
We would love to invite you to pray about being a part of this mission, and joining the hundreds of others currently engaged in our apostolate.
Training to start a new MHSF Chapter will take place this Fall, allowing ample time for each chapter to best prepare, make invitations, and plan for new chapter commencement this upcoming year. If you would like to learn more about starting a chapter, please visit www.mhsfonline.org/joiningmhsf and reach out to us!
An encouragement to leave with you comes from another MHSF Alum regarding the discernment of what’s next:
“Listen to the Holy Spirit and do not fear the unknown.”
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