Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

NEWTOWN—24 couples and 22 children gathered Friday evening at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown for a Mass in celebration of up to ten years of marriage.

Father Andy Vill celebrated Mass for all gathered. Couples were then able to partake in a wine and cheese social afterwards, and had the opportunity to hear from national Catholic speaker Chris Padgett about principles that help make a marriage work.

Many gathered remarked that this event was a time for them to give thanks to God for the blessing of their marriage and to mingle and talk with other newlyweds in the area.

“The Newlywed Mass and Social was an inspiring and fun evening where couples were reminded to focus on our common goals and connect with our spouses. It was great to be able to spend time with friends and acquaintances and meet new couples. Chris Padgett’s talk was hilarious yet truth-filled about the realities of marriage and family life. I’m looking forward to more events like this!” commented Jess Nayden, Coordinator of the Catholic Service Corps for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Couples in attendance had the opportunity to visit tables which provided helpful information and details on upcoming events. Speaker Chris Padgett offered time for questions, as well as displayed a book that he and his wife have written.  Matt and Amy Taylor provided a table of information about an upcoming Financial Peace University class that they will be facilitating at St. Rose this Fall. Al and Adrienne Keogler shared information about their Natural Family Planning class that will take place at St. Rose beginning on September 22.

“The Newlywed Mass and Social was a success”, commented Monica Ortega, who helped envision and plan the event along with her husband Renzo. “A special thank you needs to be shared with the beloved ministry team at St. Rose who donated the wine and appetizers.  Another thank you to the childcare ministry who offered free childcare for the couples. It was so special to be able to participate in a special date night with my husband with other couples in similar stages of life. To celebrate our sacrament of marriage was such a gift!” shared Monica.

Photos by Amy Mortensen