Marriage Care launches 80th anniversary at national volunteer conference

Marriage Care has launched its 80th anniversary year with a national conference celebrating eight decades of supporting couples and families and looking ahead to the charity's future.

Around 160 volunteers, former volunteers, staff, partners and guests from across England, Wales and Gibraltar gathered at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes from 25-27 September. The conference theme, "Rooted in Love, Growing for the Future", drew on the image of the oak tree as a symbol of deep roots, endurance and growth.

Marriage Care was founded as the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council on 19 August 1946. Today, it is the UK's largest faith-based relationship support charity, training and supporting a nationwide body of volunteer members who provide relationship counselling and marriage preparation for couples marrying in the Catholic Church, meeting couples where they are, as they are. Its relationship counselling service is open to people of all faiths and none, married or not, and no one is turned away because they cannot afford to pay.

The conference combined worship, learning and celebration. Contributors included Honor Rhodes OBE; Clare Watkins, Professor to the Conversations, Culture and Communion Project, Durham University; Dr Harry Benson of the Marriage Foundation; and Dr Kathryn Mannix, bestselling author of 'With the End in Mind'. Music and liturgy were led by Jo Boyce and CJM Music.

Bishop Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton, led a morning blessing, while delegates also heard a message from Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of Marriage Care.

A "Walk through the Decades" brought together stories from different periods of Marriage Care's history, remembering the people and places that have shaped its ministry. Long-service awards recognised volunteers who have given many years of skilled and compassionate service to couples.

The conference also celebrated the life and legacy of Sir Harold Hood, who helped to establish the organisation in 1946 and later served as its chairman. The anniversary programme has been supported by Sir Harold Hood's Charitable Trust, CCLA Investment Management, and through the generosity of its volunteers.

Closing the conference, Marriage Care Chief Executive Mark Molden said: "Every generation still longs to love and be loved. Every generation still longs for relationships that are safe, faithful and life-giving. Every generation still experiences joy and heartbreak and loss. Every generation still needs hope.

And for 80 years, quietly, faithfully, often unnoticed by the wider world, Marriage Care has walked alongside every generation. Listening with the heart, meeting couples where they are, as they are.

We exist because somewhere today a couple is wondering whether their relationship can survive. Somewhere today parents are trying to protect their children from conflict they don't know how to resolve. Somewhere today two people are excitedly planning a wedding but have never had the opportunity and tools to talk honestly about forgiveness... expectations... family... communication... faith... money... intimacy... or what lifelong commitment really asks of us. Somewhere today someone feels desperately alone inside their marriage. And because they exist...we exist."

"The world changes, and our methods must change with it, but our mission remains. Our future will ultimately be measured in transformed lives, restored hope, strengthened relationships and children who flourish because their parents learnt to love each other better."

Delegates also helped to shape Marriage Care's next strategic chapter. Its priorities for 2026-2031 include achieving financial sustainability, raising greater awareness of relationship support and using digital opportunities to remove barriers created by geography, disability, caring responsibilities or personal circumstances.

Two anniversary initiatives were launched during the weekend. "Rooted in Love - The Marriage Care Story" will gather 80 stories from volunteers, staff and supporters about the people, couples and communities that have shaped the charity. The Acorn Appeal aims to recruit 80 volunteers to make a regular monthly gift, helping to secure Marriage Care's work for future generations.

Anniversary Mass at Westminster Cathedral

The anniversary year will continue with a special Mass in Westminster Cathedral at 3.30 pm on Saturday 27 February 2027 - celebrated by Most Rev Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and Marriage Care's President.

The date has particular historical significance. Marriage Care's first Council meeting was held in Westminster Cathedral Hall on 27 February 1947, attended by representatives of Catholic organisations and supporters of the newly established Catholic Marriage Advisory Council.

Eighty years later, Marriage Care will return to Westminster to give thanks for generations of volunteers and supporters, remember the many couples and families served since 1946, and pray for the charity's continuing mission.

Mark Molden added: "Those first volunteers planted something whose full fruit they would never live to see. Marriage Care has been built by ordinary people who kept saying 'yes' - giving their time, skill, faith and compassion to help others.

"As we celebrate their legacy, we are also planting for the future, so that couples will continue to find skilled support, a listening ear and a place of hope for many years to come."

Further information about the anniversary Mass and Marriage Care's 80th anniversary programme will be published at www.marriagecare.org.uk/