Articles

Christian Meert 6/9/26

We welcome Christian Meert, co-founder of Agape Catholic Ministries, to examine the strengths and shortcomings of contemporary Catholic marriage preparation.

In a culture increasingly confused about its purpose, how can the Church better prepare couples to embrace marriage as a lifelong sacrament and vocation?

Father finishes with Timely Thoughts.

Lynn Johnson & Christian Meert 7/27/20

Lynn Johnson is the assistant secretary at HHS's Administration for Children and Families. Christian Meert is the co-founder of CatholicMarriagePrep.com

• "All-In" Foster Adoption Challenge
• Habits for a Healthy Marriage
• Remaining in the Truth of Christ
• CatholicMarriagePrep.com

Lynn Johnson & Christian Meert 7/27/20

Lynn Johnson is the assistant secretary at HHS's Administration for Children and Families. Christian Meert is the co-founder of CatholicMarriagePrep.com

• "All-In" Foster Adoption Challenge
• Habits for a Healthy Marriage
• Remaining in the Truth of Christ
• CatholicMarriagePrep.com

An article by Daniel Payne for EWTN, January 31, 2026

‘Dramatic’ decline in Catholic marriage highlights need for ‘proactive’ Church response

Catholic marriages in the U.S. have declined 75% in about 50 years, even as the Catholic population has risen.

A steep decline in Catholic marriages in the U.S. over the past few decades is underscoring the need for “proactive” marriage support in the Church.

Data obtained by EWTN News from the Official Catholic Directory shows a major drop-off in U.S. Catholic marriage, from about 267,000 in the year 2000 to just 111,718 in 2024, a decline of nearly 60%...

An article by Gordon Nary for Profiles In Catholicism on 1/3/25

Gordon: Tell us about your childhood and family.

Christian: I was born and raised in a French Catholic family in Morocco. I had a wonderful family: Mom, Dad, Grandfather, and two older brothers. One of my uncles was a Franciscan priest, and one of my aunts was a Franciscan nun, both serving in Morocco…

An article by Theresa Civantos Barber for Aleteia on 9/16/24

Online Catholic Marriage Prep program celebrates its 20th anniversary with a look back at its successes over the years.

Catholics take marriage seriously, as you can see in the extensive preparation needed to get married in a Catholic church, and the common requirement to be engaged for six months before getting married.

An article by Amy Morgan for Marriage Initiative on 3/20/24

Perhaps you’re a Catholic couple who wants to marry. Your Pastor recommends engaged couples to Agape and gives you a link, but you are unable to find a parish nearby that offers the necessary marriage prep class. Or maybe you’ve been distant from the church, but now you feel the pull to embrace marriage as a sacrament.

An article by Zelda Caldwell for Aleteia on 2/28/22

Engaged couples take part in an online one-on-one program with mentor couples.

For many recently engaged couples, as soon as the happy news is shared with family and friends, the wedding planning begins. Before they know what hit them, the couple’s focus is fixated on a lengthy to-do list involving reception halls, bands, bridesmaids and groomsmen, guest lists, flowers and much more.