Catholic Marriage Enrichment
Andrew and Terri Lyke are pioneers in Catholic marriage ministry. In 1994 they established Arusi Network to govern their ministerial work. The mission of their ministry is to strengthen the institution of marriage in the African-American community. The focus of that work is in marriage education, spiritual formation and ongoing social support through outreach from faith-based communities.
The Lykes facilitate retreats, workshops, relationship coaching, and parish consultations to raise our sights on how we, the body of Christ, live in the Light of God's grace through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the couple and the community, they promote an "African worldview," recognizing the "I" in the "We" for the mutual support between marriage and community. Their book, Marriage On A Lampstand: Exploring a New Paradigm for Modern Christian Marriage (Heavenly Light Press), offers foundations and a blueprint for marriage faith formation for couples and their faith communities.
The Lykes were married in 1975 and began their life in marriage ministry in 1981 when they, with other couples and priests began Marriage Ministry for the Black Community in the Archdiocese of Chicago. They designed the Arusi Retreat in 1994 and have presented the weekend program in dioceses across the United States. They served as advisors to the USCCB committee on Marriage and Family. From 1999 to 2009, Andrew served the Archdiocese of Chicago as the Coordinator of Marriage Ministry. In that role he was the principle writer of In The Spirit of Cana—Guidelines for Pastoral Outreach to Christian Marriage: Formation, Preparation, Celebration, and Continuing Education. In 2011, he was rehired as the Director of the Office for Black Catholics.
Presentations by Andrew and Terri Lyke include:
- Arusi Marriage Retreat
- 12 Keys to a Sacramental Marriage
- Family Memoirs: Creating a Testament of Faith
- God-Couples: Christian Marriage in Community
- In The Spirit of Cana: Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Ministry
- Marriage On A Lampstand: A New Paradigm for Christian Marriage
- Relationship Boot Camp
- Come Follow Me: Journeying in the Sacrament of Marriage
- FOCCUS Facilitator Training
- Parish Consultations
- Customized Marriage Enrichment Program
- Anti-Racism and Racial Healing
