The Retreat From Marriage for Young Adults-No Surprise to Me!

In an article which appeared in today's New York Times titled, "Financial Security Is Increasingly Trumping Marriage, Report Says," by Claire Miller it states that "Twenty percent of adults older than 25, about 42 million people have never married, up from 9 percent in 1960 according to data in a Pew Research Center report." I know about this trend firsthand as I have two young adult sons, who I'm praying will marry soon. Of course, I want them to be happy and find the right person, to enjoy their future with. Thankfully they both have wonderful girlfriends who I am fond of, but whether it's fear of commitment or the need to be financially secure, or the cost of getting married, which is exorbitant in NY or all of the above, I'm waiting patiently for the day at least one of them tells me they're getting engaged. After all, I want grandchildren to spoil and love while I'm still young enough to enjoy them. Perhaps I want them to get married for selfish reasons but I do believe that marriage provides a stable environment, when filled with love, care and companionship and I want that for my sons.
My friends tell me to be more patient and they'll get married when they're ready but I'm one of those mothers who are a part of the above statistic who wants to see my sons married, sooner than later.
Apparently many young adults say (according to the article) they haven't married yet because they are not financially prepared. Marriage was once "a stepping stone to economic stability," now young adults want to be financially secure first which is difficult in this economic climate. In New York City the cost of renting or owning a property have reached ridiculous and unrealistic levels. One bedroom apartments in trendy NYC neighborhoods are selling for over $400,000 and sometimes much more than that. And rents are soaring too.
So I'll just keep praying that my sons get married in the next couple of years, so I can one day experience the joy of having grandchildren.
NJA

Newly Ordained Priests of Rockville Centre-Celebrating at The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, NY-2014

On a warm summer evening in September, on the vigil of Mary's birthday,  the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY held a special event called, "Celebrate the Newly Ordained." The newly ordained priests of the Diocese of Rockville Centre (six in total) were honored with a dinner in the beautiful Rose Garden. Before the dinner,  Vespers were held in the glorious chapel.   Also honored this evening was retired Monsignor Thomas Colgan, who was praised by many, especially Bishop William Murphy who led the Vesper service. Msgr. Colgan was awarded the inaugural Immaculate Conception Medal. He was very grateful.
It was truly a beautiful evening and the rector, Msgr. Richard Henning, along with the Director of Development-Beverly Malone always makes sure everything is just perfect. And so it was....just a few pictures below........Do you recognize anyone you know? Below is newly ordained Fr. David and Fr. Daniel. Also Fr. James is pictured with his mother (3rd picture). Fr. Nick Zientarski, currently the Dean of Seminarians and Professor at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers is in the 4th picture. The newly ordained were given gifts of kneelers as shown. Fr. Tom is shown being very helpful and serving food in the 6th photo. If you look close enough you can see a picture of the rector, Msgr. Henning and Bishop Murphy. The last picture shows the glory of God, ever present if only you have eyes to see.
NJA