Marriage, Family, and Life

Mission

The Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Duluth, in collaboration with other diocesan and community ministries is devoted to building up the Body of Christ by promoting a Catholic vision that celebrates and encourages the sacredness of love, marriage, family and the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.   

Upcoming Events

Respect Life Essay Contest for Middle and High School

WHAT: In 250-300 words, write an essay explaining the theme: 

“Radical Solidarity”  

This Respect Life campaign focuses on the call to live out radical solidarity with mothers in need and their children. Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). Living out radical solidarity means putting our love into action. 

REQUIREMENTS: Entries must have a cover page with:  

1. Contestant’s name  
2. Name of Parish and School (when applicable) 
3. Home address and phone 
4. Entry Category (Middle or High School) 

WHEN: Essay must be typed and postmarked by Friday, December 22, 2023. No more than 6 entries per religious education program, 3 per category, with a possible additional 3 entries per Catholic school may be submitted. All parish and school entries must be submitted in the same envelope and mail from the parish office.  

WHO: Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12; prizes awarded in both categories 

• FIRST PRIZE - $150 
• SECOND PRIZE - $75 
• THIRD PRIZE - $25 

Betsy Kneepkens 
Office of Marriage, Family, and Life 
Diocese of Duluth 
2830 East Fourth Street 
Duluth, MN 55812 

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please click on the link below for contest rules and guidelines.

Contest Guidelines

QUESTIONS? Contact Betsy Kneepkens at 218-724-9111 or [email protected] 
 

Weekend for the Engaged

Engaged Weekends are part of the preparation for couples as they approach the Sacrament of Matrimony. 

Each Engaged Weekend varies slightly in content, and beginning and ending times. The weekend is typically all day on Saturday, ending after dinner, and Sunday morning until mid-day.  Accommodations are not included, however, if you travel a distance and need a place to stay, contact Betsy Kneepkens at (218) 724-9111 and we will do our best to find a place with gender-specific housing for weekend attendees. 

Although weekend content varies, click here to view a sample schedule.

Upcoming Engaged Weekends:

• April 27-28, 2024 - St. Joseph Church in Crosby. The registration link will be posted here when registration begins. 
• More dates for 2024 Engaged Weekends are being planned.  

Alternative Options for Engaged Weekend Retreat

Attending an Engaged Weekend is part of the preparational process for the reception of the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Duluth Diocese offer 3-4 opportunities a year and strongly encourages couples to attend one of these weekends. Because of family commitments and/or work, the Duluth Diocese dates don't always accommodate every couples' needs. If you are unable to make the Duluth Diocese dates, with the approval of the preparing clergy, the listings below may be options that will satisfy the retreat portion of the preparation process.  

Living God's Love Retreat

CATHOLIC FAMILY CAMP 2023
FUN AND FAITH HAD BY ALL!

  
  
Big Sandy Camp in McGregor, July 28-30

In need of hope and help for your struggling marriage? Retrouvaille is an international Catholic movement that holds retreats and aftercare support for couples striving to rebuild their relationship.  For information about their organization and a link to dates and retreat locations can be found on the link below 

https://www.helpourmarriage.org/