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February 7-14, 2026

National Marriage Week

A week dedicated to celebrating, strengthening, and uplifting Catholic marriages. From World Marriage Day (February 8) to Valentine's Day (February 14), parishes and couples across the country pray, reflect, and renew their commitment to the sacrament of marriage.

2009
First National Marriage Week in the U.S.
Feb 7-14
Held annually, ending on Valentine's Day
10,000+
Parishes have participated nationwide

Daily Reflections for Couples

Each day includes a scripture verse, a reflection theme, and a simple prompt for you and your spouse. Print this page, save it to your phone, or add it to your parish bulletin.

Saturday, February 7

Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Write down three specific things you are grateful for about your spouse. Share them over dinner tonight.

Sunday, February 8 (World Marriage Day)

Covenant

Genesis 2:24

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.

Reread your wedding vows together. Discuss one line that means more to you now than it did on your wedding day.

Monday, February 9

Communication

James 1:19

Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Put your phones away for one hour tonight. Ask each other: "What is something you have been wanting to tell me but have not found the right moment?"

Tuesday, February 10

Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13

Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

Is there a small resentment you have been carrying? Name it, release it, and tell your spouse: "I choose us over this."

Wednesday, February 11

Service

Galatians 5:13

Serve one another through love.

Do one task today that your spouse usually handles. No announcement needed. Let the action speak.

Thursday, February 12

Prayer

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Pray together tonight, even if it feels unfamiliar. Hold hands and each offer one intention for your marriage. End with an Our Father.

Friday, February 13

Joy

John 15:11

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Look at wedding photos or early photos together. Tell each other: "This is my favorite memory of us." Then make plans for a new memory this weekend.

Friday, February 14 (Valentine's Day)

Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Write a short letter to your spouse. Not a text. Paper and ink. Tell them what your marriage means to you today, not just on the day you said "I do."

Ideas for Your Parish

National Marriage Week is a chance for your parish to publicly affirm the beauty of Christian marriage. Here are practical, low-barrier ways to participate.

Blessing of Married Couples
Invite all married couples to stand at the end of Sunday Mass for a special blessing. Recognize milestone anniversaries (25, 50, 60+ years).
Renew Your Vows
Host a brief vow renewal ceremony after the Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass. No reservation needed. Just show up married.
Marriage Testimony
Invite a long-married couple from the parish to share a brief testimony (3-5 minutes) before or after Mass about what has sustained their marriage.
Date Night Ministry
Organize free childcare at the parish one evening during the week so couples can go on a date. Volunteers from the youth group or confirmation class can help.
Bulletin Insert
Print the daily reflections from this page as a bulletin insert. Each day has a scripture verse, a reflection prompt, and a simple couple activity.
Prayer Intention
Add a special prayer of the faithful for married couples at every Mass during the week: "For all married couples in our parish, that God may strengthen their love and deepen their joy."

What Is National Marriage Week?

National Marriage Week was launched in 2010 by a coalition of Christian organizations to create a national focal point for marriage promotion and renewal. It begins on the Sunday before Valentine's Day and ends on February 14.

World Marriage Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of February, marks the beginning of the week. It was established by Worldwide Marriage Encounter in 1981 and is now observed in over 50 countries.

The week is not a Church-mandated observance, but a grassroots initiative embraced by Catholic dioceses, parishes, and other Christian communities. Participation is entirely voluntary and takes whatever form your parish decides.

Whether you are newly engaged, celebrating your 50th anniversary, or somewhere in between, National Marriage Week is a moment to pause and remember: your marriage is not just a private commitment. It is a sacrament, a sign, and a living witness to the love of Christ for his Church.

National Marriage Week 2026 | February 7-14