Marriages work in this family

Not only were Joanne and James Tschinkel marking 50 years together as man and wife but all of their adult children and their spouses joined in noting anniversaries of their own.

According to daughter Arlene Paricek, a parishioner of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville, the day was truly a family affair.

Golden anniversary

In their years together, the couple raised six children, instilling in each one of them a strong faith in God and providing what Mrs. Paricek called "a true example of what the perfect married couple" should be like.

"We were very lucky to have parents who have a wonderful marriage. After 50 years, my mother and father are still very much in love with each other," she said. "What better example of a good marriage could there be?"

Faith, for example

Additionally, both of her parents were active in their faith, volunteering their time and efforts to their parish during the years when the children were growing up.

She also recalled that both parents were very much involved in the Marriage Encounter program. As a result of that, Mrs. Paricek and her husband, as well as all but one of her siblings, have made Marriage Encounters.

"One thing you learn when you do a Marriage Encounter is to be more attuned to your spouse's feelings and needs, not to think only of yourself," she explained. "There are times when any marriage can face difficulties. But if the marriage has a solid foundation and two people really love each other, most problems can be solved together. There has to be a desire to continue the relationship; and with faith in God and love for each other, most any problem can be resolved."

Church involvement

The Tschinkels are now parishioners of St. Therese of the Child Jesus parish in Windham where she teaches religious education. He volunteers at the Ski Windham Resort, assisting the disabled in learning how to ski.

On Oct. 14, they renewed their vows at a Mass at St. Theresa's. Later, the Tschinkels, their six children and their spouses, and the grandchildren all gathered to celebrate the healthy, strong, faith-filled marriages of the entire family.

Joined

* Carol Henry and her husband Joseph, who have been married for 26 years. They live in Troy, Michigan, and have two children, ages 22 and 19.

* Arlene Paricek and her husband William, who have been married 20 years. They live in Latham; their three children are 17, 13 and 8.

* David Tschinkel and his wife Mary Beth, who live in Greenville and are celebrating their 14th anniversary. They have two children, 11 and 7.

* Diana Swanson and her husband Michael, who live in Durham and have been married for 16 years. They have three children, 10, 8 and 2.

* Gerard Tschinkel and his wife Jill, who live in Hurley and are also celebrating their 14th anniversary. Their three children are 13, 11 and 7.

* Kristin Olson and her husband Michael, who live in Vestal and have been married for five years. They have no children.

Family life

When asked what the secret to a long married life is, Mrs. Tschinkel said that the faith and love she and her husband share have kept them together for so many years.

"I still feel like I'm 16 and in love for the first time," she declared.

(10-18-01) [[In-content Ad]]