Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

On February 9th, Bishop Vetter warmly welcomed 90 married couples to an evening of celebration at the Cathedral of St. Helena. The couples represented a range of milestones, from newlyweds to those who had been married for nearly seven decades.

The evening began with the solemn celebration of Mass, during which couples renewed their commitment to one another. Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Bishop Vetter personally blessed each couple. These special moments were captured in photographs and shared with all participants. The event continued downstairs with a lively reception filled with good food and warm camaraderie.

During his homily, Bishop Vetter expressed heartfelt gratitude to the couples in attendance, acknowledging the sacrifices and profound contributions they offer within their families and to one another. He underscored the pivotal role of their homes as missionary outposts, shaping the future of the Church through their commitment to love and service. He also expressed his hope that the evening would serve as a wellspring of grace and inspiration for the attendees and the entire congregation.

This celebration aligns with ongoing efforts by the Office of Family Life to deepen integration of couples into Church life and foster a thriving family culture in parishes. Strong marriages are essential to our Church and society, according to Bishop Vetter, who is committed to investing in couples well beyond their wedding day into all life’s celebrations and challenges.

The erosion of strong marriages has played a substantial role in diminishing faith across the United States. Addressing this decline head-on is crucial for Church vitality, something that Diocese of Helena is actively doing. A vital part of this initiative is enhancing marriage preparation programs and expanding events and retreat opportunities similar to this one.

This fall, Bishop Vetter will host similar events in three other Deaneries, celebrating Mass and blessing marriages. More details will be announced later this year. All are invited to join.