Adult Singles
Impelled by divine charity, Christians are called to do good to all men, especially to those of the household of the faith and thereby they draw all people to Christ. Promoting Christian friendship among themselves, they help one another in every need whatsoever. (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, 1965)
God’s plan for our faith life takes its particular character from our state in life, from our state of health, and from our professional and social activities. Developing our personal identity, forging peer relationships, deepening our understanding of the meaning of work, and growing in our spiritual life are arenas for single adults that shape how we fulfill God’s plan in our daily lives.
The Church welcomes you. We need your gifts and invite you to invest yourself in the life of a parish community.
Below are links to organizations dedicated to supporting adult singles.
West Michigan Catholic Singles
Social/peer ministry group; contact Sharon at (616) 791-2908. The organization sends out a monthly newsletter announcing events and gatherings.
National Catholic Singles Conference
The National Catholic Singles Conference (NCSC) was created to give single Catholics the opportunity to meet other like-minded singles and learn more about and share their Faith.
Married Couples
Every marriage matters, because marriage comes from the hand of God. God brings a man and a woman together to love and support each other.
Catholic Charities West Michigan
For Your Marriage
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Web site designed to promote healthy marriages. With everything from daily marriage tips to statistics on divorce, cohabitation and caring for aging parents, this site is an up-to-date resource for everyone, especially engaged and married couples.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a catholic retreat for married couples to enrich their marriages. The weekend is for couples who have good marriages. Think of it as a tune-up for your marriage. It is an opportunity to get away from our every day distractions and concentrate on the two of you, husband and wife, to rekindle that flame you had when you initially fell in love.
PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills)
Developed by Lori H. Gordon, Ph.D., PAIRS provide a comprehensive system to enhance self-knowledge and to develop the ability to sustain intimate relationships. Contact Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Vicki Schneider, certified teaching couple.
Vocaris
Helping couples to have lifelong, fulfilling marriages by providing one-on-one mentoring to married couples. Vocaris means “we are called.” Marriage is a calling, a vocation. If we are to live marriage to its fullest we must rely on wisdom and resources outside of ourselves. First, God is our best source of wisdom. Staying connected to Him, God guides us and gives us strength. Second, other people God has placed in our lives are a wonderful resource. What makes Vocaris different than other resources available today? The Vocaris team is made up of married couples, couples who have dealt with the daily challenges of marriage. These couples are willing and committed to share their trials and successes, as well as the immense joy they have discovered in the sacrament of marriage.
Older Adults
We are all growing older, not just as individuals but as members of a faith community. The spiritual growth of the aging person is affected by the community and affects the community. Aging demands the attention of the entire Church. How the faith community relates to its older members—recognizing their presence, encouraging their contributions, responding to their needs, and providing appropriate opportunities for spiritual growth—is a sign of the community's spiritual health and maturity. (Blessings of Age, USCCB 1999.)
Many parishes have peer group ministries for older adults. Find a parish near you.
Below are links to further resources and activities.
Spiritual Needs of Maturing Adults
A description of 23 spiritual needs of Maturing Adults developed by Dr. Richard Johnson in successive issues of The WELL, WISE & WHOLE Monthly, a free online subscription service.
Association for Lifelong Adult Ministry
Bringing together dedicated people who work with Maturing Adults in parishes, congregations, and churches of all Christian denominations.
Senior Companions
A stipend-based volunteer opportunity for low-income seniors that trains Senior Companions to encourage adults, who are isolated, homebound, elderly, developmentally disabled, or have other special needs, to become more engaged in life. They build meaningful relationships through regular visits, activities and outings. Muskegon and Newaygo Counties.