"The whole history of mankind is the history of the need of loving and being loved."  - Pope Saint John Paul II

In his letter to the Ephesians, St Paul tells us that the union of man and woman to become ‘one flesh’ in marriage is a ‘great mystery.’  It is also a vocation – a call to live one’s entire life in a particular way, devoted to the well-being of your spouse. It is a life-long commitment to learn to love, and to grow in love. Like all vocations, those called to marriage benefit from ongoing education and formation. The Diocese of Oakland offers periodic workshops or other events for married couples. We are also associated with many programs in the Catholic Church to help strengthen the spouses' love for each other. 

Married couples often go through great difficulties in their marriage – sometimes these can seem so difficult as to threaten to literally tear the marriage apart. The diocese is also committed to providing as many resources as possible to help couples heal and strengthen their marriages.

"Marriage is a ‘school of love’ ." - Pope Saint John Paul II