Christian Marriage: Gift and Calling

Teams of Our Lady is an international Catholic lay movement, recognized by the Holy See, which began in France in 1939. Teams afford the opportunity for couples to gather in faith, friendship and understanding to support one another in their journey of marriage. It is not marriage enrichment, although it enriches marriages; it is not a support group, although it
provides support and it is not “marriage encounter” although it offers the richness of encountering and sharing with others the challenge of a common
journey.

What is a Team? A Team, commonly five or six couples, meets monthly (the St Olaf Team meets nine months out of the year) alternately at each other’s
home to share a simple meal, share experiences, challenges, joys and frustrations of the preceding month. After the meal, reflection on scripture, shared prayer and discussion on growth experienced in the
ENDEAVORS (Life in Christ).

ENDEAVORS are attitudes to awaken within us the desire for conversion and formation – to bring to fruition the devotion of Mary to God’s call in her life as the center of life and marriage. The Endeavors: regular reading of the Word of God; daily meditation; daily conjugal and family prayer; monthly sit-down; a rule of life and an annual retreat experience helps
keep the call of the Spirit from within being silenced by the external clamor of life.

St Olaf’s has an active Team, meeting since 2004 that
would welcome additional couples. Teams of Our Lady opens the door of opportunity for growth in spiritual life through a program of sharing, prayer and study. The study portion this year is reviewing Rediscovering Catholicism written by Matthew Kelly (gifted to all members of the parish).

Teams of Our Lady meets on the first Sunday of each month from 4:30 PM to 7:30PM. Minor changes occur throughout the year. Dates are adjusted when
necessary so that, as much as possible, all couples are able to attend all gatherings. Each gathering closes with The Magnificat, honoring Mary, Queen of Heaven and Mary, Our Lady, Queen of Teams.

I have the honor to be the clergy representative for Teams of Our Lady at St Olaf’s and have been enriched by their faith, devotion and commitment to
one another since 2005.

Please feel free to contact Tom or Mary Behling; John or Julie Hibbard; Darrell or Renee Liming or myself for additional information.
Deacon Bob