Joe and Cinda DeVet were born and grew up in Michigan. Immediately after their graduation from college, they married and left for Texas (meaning that weekend).
Their presence in the Archdiocese over the rest of their marriage (with a couple side assignments in New Jersey) brought them to a deeper and deeper love for each other and for the Church and the Lord they serve, especially in encouraging excellent marriage preparation and innovative and engaging enrichment for the married couples in whatever parish and diocese they live.
Starting in 1973 with their first experience of Marriage Encounter, they were drawn into the ministry of both Marriage Encounter and then Engaged Encounter in presenting weekends and in leadership positions. They have formulated and delivered retreats, days of renewal and recollection, and programs that strengthen both married and clerical vocations.
Since 1981 they have been teachers of Natural Family Planning, as well as being trained as trainers of new teachers.
After 54 years of marriage and family (8 children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great grands) their closeness to their family and to the couples of all ages and all over the country with whom they have shared their various programs and prayers, their love remains strong and encouraging for themselves and others. Their greatest joy is serving the Lord with gladness (and laughter) and helping people find the JOY that God means for married people to find in their domestic churches.
Joe worked 32 years for EXXON Chemical and an additional 20 years for the Archdiocese. He and Cinda are devoted and willing workers in the vineyard of the Lord.