He spoke of the diminished importance of marriage which contributes to the break down of the fabric of our society. He believes that more people need to hear the message that marriages can be life long and faithful.
Saturday workshops included:
- Kevin & Kathi Lowry of Ohio: Conversion - A Journey Through Faith. The Lowrys shared their personal experience of conversion and how they dealt with doctrinal differences.
- Father Peter Horton of Pennsylvania: Morality in the Movies and Media. Fr. Peter. who has been reviewing movies for 18 years, discussed how movies have both good and bad in them, and that movies can challenge us. He asked couples to become responsible viewers.
He mentioned that protesting a movie doesn't work. It only creates an audience. He cautioned parents to not let the V chip take over their rights as a parent.
Parents have the power of example and can both contradict and influence the media by the way they live their everyday lives. It is important that parents talk with their kids about everything and anything. When watching a movie or television show ask the kids which character they think is life giving. Who has made a decision to love in the plot?
- Deacon Bert Kuhns of Pennsylvania: Married Deacons - Their Role in the Church and on the Weekend. Deacon Bert talked about the historical impact of the Deaconate ministry and explored what the role is today.
- Rick & Karen Strom of Pennsylvania: A Christian in the Lion's Den. Speaking from their personal lives, the Stroms shared how difficult it was for Rick to live his Christian values while a quarterback in the NFL, the challenges of a long distance relationship, and how they try to pass on their values to their children.
- Father Ben Vaghetto of Pittsburgh: Annulment...A Road to Healing. Fr. Ben gave insights into the annulment process so that couples have a better understanding of the journey this process takes. Along with Fr. Ben, Mary Ellen and John Bentry shared their personal experience of the annulment healing process.
- Blaine & Mary Carnprobst of Pittsburgh: Community CPR. The Carnprobsts shared many practical ideas for rejuvenating a community. The session was interactive with many others sharing what has worked and what hasn't worked in their own areas.
The afternoon ended with a Reconciliation Service that called for self reflection on the thorns in our lives. Everyone was given symbolic thorns to place at the foot of a large cross.
Saturday night, couples enjoyed a fun wedding reception and dance in honor of all the couples there.
Part 1: Friday
Part 2: Saturday
Part 3:
Sunday
