Marriage ministry

In a fast-paced and often chaotic world, the sacred bond of marriage can be tested in many ways. But for couples seeking to deepen their connection with each other and with Christ, Teams of Our Lady offers a pathway to peace, purpose and spiritual renewal. This international lay movement brings together small communities of married couples to share life, grow in faith and live out their vocation with joy.

Local mission rooted in love                                                                                                     

The movement came to western North Dakota through the vision and faith of Dennis and 
Charlene Prindiville of Bismarck who first encountered this lay ministry while living in Colorado. 
 
“We discovered teams through our church. It was the perfect ministry we were looking for us to grow together spiritually and to meet other faith-filled couples,” said Charlene.
When they returned to North Dakota, they saw a need and responded with conviction. 
 
“We wanted to bring teams to western North Dakota because it didn’t exist in the Bismarck Diocese,” stated Dennis. “The Fargo Diocese had 12 teams already, and we felt called to spread the news and grow the ministry here.”

The Prindivilles started their Teams of Our Lady mission here in 2023 and now have two teams of Bismarck couples meeting regularly. Each team consists of five to seven married couples that meet monthly September through June. Each month, team members take turns meeting in each other’s homes for a shared simple meal, prayer, spiritual reflection and meaningful discussion.
 
Pat and Sue Forster are members of the first Bismarck team. 
 
Pat reported, “Our team has surrounded us with a group of couples who share the same faith and values that we have.” 

Sue agreed, “Even though we did not know most of the couples well before joining the team, we have become very close and feel more like a family than just a group of friends that meets once a month.”
 
What is Teams of Our Lady?                                                                                                     

Founded in France in 1938 by Father Henri Caffarel, Teams of Our Lady emerged from a desire to support couples in living out their Catholic marriage with greater intentionality. Since then, it has spread to over 90 countries, enriching the lives of thousands of couples.
At its heart, the movement centers on small groups of married couples. 
 
“It is inspiring to see how Teams of Our Lady encourages couples whether they are married two years or 42 years to look deeper into their faith and grow in holiness together,” said Father Ehli, rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck.
 
What sets Teams of Our Lady apart from many marriage enrichment programs is that it isn’t a one-time retreat or workshop. It is a sustained journey. 
 
Charlene explained, “It’s not a one-time event like a weekend retreat. Teams builds with time and keeps your marriage fresh. We walk away from each meeting with a renewed love for each other.”

Through the monthly gatherings and the shared spiritual practices, teams grow into a trusted and close-knit community, “Teams become a tight-knit group with strong emotional, confidential and unconditional support. As time evolves and we continue to meet and share our lives and faith, the bond deepens,” said Dennis.

Spiritual growth as a couple  
 
Bill and Becky Marion of Bismarck have enjoyed their teams experience.
 
“Being part of this movement has been a blessing in our marriage,” stated Bill. “Through teams, we’ve learned to pray more intentionally and listen more patiently. It has helped us center our relationship on Christ and grow in unity, not just as husband and wife, but as spiritual companions walking together in faith.”

Joyce and Ray Gruby of Bismarck agreed, “Our marriage has certainly been strengthened by the friendships within our team. Sharing our ups and downs and spiritual endeavors has led to a new appreciation of the rhythm in our marriage.”

Ray stated, “We wholeheartedly encourage couples to join. Teams offers a welcome respite from the busyness of the world.”

More about teams                                                                                                          

If you're a married couple looking to deepen your spiritual life, strengthen your relationship and find meaningful Christian fellowship, Teams of Our Lady may be the answer.

As Dennis and Charlene put it, “It’s good to be part of a group of like-minded Catholics with strong beliefs. The friendships that develop are strong and forever.”

If you are interested in being on a team or just want to know more about the movement, email [email protected]. There’s a place at the table for you.