THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 36, NO. 4 | AUGUST 15, 2014
Married couples say ‘I do’ to sharing wisdom n PROGRAM PAIRS SUCCESSFUL COUPLES WITH THOSE PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “The world tells us to be really selfish,” said Dianne Mallari, mother of three and parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Topeka. But successful marriages and the parenting of young children — she has three under six — require exactly the opposite. That’s why she and her husband Dave make time in their hectic lives to be a “lead couple” in the marriage preparation program of the archdiocese — “Preparing to Live in Love.” “The program teaches you to be selfless and how to be the best spouse possible,” said Mallari, “and to be more Christ-like to each other.” Mallari was already responsible for coordinating the lead couple schedule for the Topeka Region when she and her husband attended a “Living in Love” retreat. The retreat — an opportunity for any married couple to get away from their daily routine and devote some special time and focus to their marriage — encouraged the Mallaris to take the leap and volunteer to be a lead couple themselves. And it’s proved a boon to their own marriage. “Love is very contagious,” said Mallari. “In working with engaged couples, it helps to keep Dave’s and my passion and excitement for our own marriage alive.” And it reminds them to apply the skills they’re imparting to the soon-to-be married to their own union. Through sharing their own real-life struggles, the Mallaris help couples see what love can be. “It’s sustaining, it’s real — and possible for the long haul,” said Mallari.
Living examples Denise Ogilvie, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, agrees. Young couples need that type of example, she believes, especially in a society where many marriages are failing. “The world — not just the Catholic world, but really the entire world — needs examples of couples who are living a faithful and fruitful marriage,” said Ogilvie, who has been married to her husband Scott for 34 years. “It can be very empowering to young couples to see other couples who have a successful marriage and are living out a sacramental life within their marriage.” That doesn’t mean everything’s perfect, said Ogilvie. But it does help couples make it through the tough times — which any marriage will face. “Marriage is a lifelong endeavor — you have to >> See “THAT” on page 7
HOW YOU CAN HELP Couples interested in becoming lead couples should talk with their pastor, says Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life. Or, for more information, go online to: www.archkck.org. (Marriage and Family Life can be found under the “Ministries & Offices” tab.)
PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANNE MALLARI
Lead couple Dianne and Dave Mallari are pictured with their three children. Married for seven years now, the couple continues to grow together through counseling soon-to-be-married couples. They became active in the marriage preparation program after attending a “Living in Love” retreat. With three kids all under the age of six, the Mallaris are always on the go. Pictured from left to right are: Caleb, Dianne, Sophia, Ava and Dave.
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