The Quiet Crisis in Our Pews: Why Saving Marriages will Save the Faith

What if saving a marriage could save a soul?

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Smyth from Communio a consultancy helping parishes build thriving marriage ministries. We talk about the quiet crisis unfolding in our parishes—and the incredible hope breaking through. Parishes that invest just a few hours into helping couples build stronger relationships are seeing renewal from the inside out: healed marriages, thriving families, and faith coming alive again.

[01:57] Jared's Background and Faith Journey
[14:15] The Importance of Marriage and Family
[17:47] Communio's Approach to Strengthening Relationships
[26:31] The Impact of Family Structure on Faith and Society
[30:13] Addressing Loneliness and Relationship Needs
[32:01] Introduction to Communio's Mission
[33:00] Data-Informed Ministry
[35:48] Marriage Enrichment Strategies
[38:54] Engaging Parish Outreach
[40:23] Ministry Engagement Ladder
[46:23] Success Stories and Impact
[55:49] Macro Trends in the Church

Don’t forget to check out Communio.org or contact Jared at [email protected].

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)