Hey friends! I’m your host, Mari Wagner, and today we’re diving into the transformative power of community in marriage, our whirlwind week of sleep deprivation, and our favorite Catholic marriage books that have inspired us.

Recovering from a Week of Travels

As some of you might know, Trey and I just returned from a whirlwind 10-day trip to celebrate my dad’s birthday and help my brother launch Redeemed Studios, a Christian clothing brand. Sleep was a rarity, but the experience was beyond rewarding. Helping my brother and his friends create their vision of Gen Z Christian fashion was a blast, albeit exhausting. As Trey aptly put it, this week has been a recovery period for us—mentally and physically—but sharing these moments in our marriage makes all the chaos worthwhile.

The Importance of Married Community

Reflecting on our lives and what fires us up led us to realize the profound impact our Catholic marriage community has had on us. Finding couples who share the same spiritual vision has been a true blessing, yet it’s a question I often receive: “How do you find Catholic married friends?” Trey and I decided to take action in cultivating a conscious, God-centered community.

From Double Dates to a Deep Community

When we first moved to Colorado, we embarked on what felt like a series of double dates with multiple couples we met through church or mutual friends. It was exciting yet draining, likened to dating all over again. Despite these initial challenges, we understood community doesn’t manifest by chance—it requires intentional effort and vulnerability.

Viewing our list of budding friendships, we pinpointed couples with whom we felt a genuine connection. With a little courage, a fun-themed dinner invite, and a shared desire for deeper spiritual connections, we launched a monthly marriage group to explore and discuss Catholic marriage books together.

Bringing God into Our Marriages

After much thought, our book club decided on “The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful” by Ed Sreve and Beth Stre—which had profound discussion questions that galvanized our dialogue and understanding. Over the course of a year, meeting monthly, we not only finished the book but deepened friendships that now play an integral role in our lives. We realized that books like “Three to Get Married” by Fulton Sheen, among others, provide a theological understanding that enriches our marriages and fortifies our community bonds.

Recommendations to Start Your Own Group

For those of you eager to initiate a similar group, some of our top book picks include:

• “Three to Get Married” by Fulton Sheen
• “The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful” by Ed and Beth Stre
• Others like “Gift and Grit” by Sarah Swofford offer different insights into cultivating virtue in relationships.

Just remember, it takes just one couple to initiate this community. Host a dinner, introduce the idea, and let the shared commitment to growth and faith guide the journey forward.

Moving Forward Together

Friends, Trey and I believe that with God at the center, marriage becomes a sacramental journey that not only enriches the couple but serves the wider community. If you’re on this path already or feeling called to it, we’re cheering you on! In need of inspiration or a party theme to kick off your group? I’m here for you—just reach out anytime.

To all of you, may you find and foster those life-giving friendships that propel you closer to the ultimate goal: a Christ-centered marriage. I am deeply thankful to walk beside you and can’t wait to hear about your own experiences and growth in building marriage communities.