An Unexpected Tradition

By Ty Salvant

Derrick and I have a laissez-faire approach to life, which has its ups and downs. With most things, sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t (fill in the blank). Usually, it leads to a less stressful life.

However, it can also result in a lack of intentional traditions.

One year, our Engaged Encounter community introduced a Way of the Cross for Married Couples as a community enrichment. We all loved it so much that we decided to repeat it the following year and the year after that.

When we started it, we had no idea that we would still be hosting it 10 years later, but we are, and it’s one of our favorite Lenten traditions.

While the format is familiar, the reflections and prayers of this beautiful and powerful devotion call us to reflect on how actions or lack thereof in our marriage led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Marriage is a vocation, a calling from God. For married people, their relationship with their spouse is second only to their relationship with God.

Are there times we have failed to live up to our marital commitment for a variety of reasons that interferes with living our sacrament daily and making our marriage the best it can be?

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Marriage Encounter, please email us at salvant@nocee.org or call us at 286-4650.