Building Strong Marriages, Strengthening Families

Archbishop Hebda is encouraging families to seek support through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis's annual Newly Married Retreat. In his pastoral letter, Only One Thing Is Necessary, Hebda stated that the Church must accompany families through both their joys and their struggles.

The retreat supports couples during their first 7 years of marriage, a period the Archdiocese identifies as having the highest statistical risk of divorce. Funding from the Catholic Services Appeal provides participants with access to practical guidance and experienced speakers.

During the 2026 retreat, authors Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family spoke about communication regarding intimacy. Marriage counselor Todd Mulliken presented three keys for couples to grow together, while Renee Oakes, the archdiocese director of marriage, family, and life, discussed how health affects fertility, infertility, and recurrent miscarriage.