Building the Domestic Church one Marriage at a Time
Mike grew up in Buffalo, NY, the middle of three children, son of Wray Carlton, fullback for the Buffalo Bills. Laurie was raised in Youngstown, OH, the oldest of three, daughter of a Lebanese Maronite father and convert mother. They met in 1988 at Miami University, Oxford Ohio, where Mike played football and Laurie was on the dance team. They were married in Youngstown, Ohio in July of 1991 as an interfaith couple, Mike being Presbyterian and Laurie a cradle Catholic. They began their marriage in Cincinnati, “church shopping” and working for six years before having children, then moving to Atlanta in 1997, which changed everything for them as a couple. Mike converted to the Catholic Church, they had six children and set up marriage ministries in their parish and the diocese. They were the founders of MAC, Marriages Are Covenants ministry, and more recently PROMISE, Program to Renew and Optimize Marriages in Sacramental Enrichment. In addition, they have given talks at churches around Atlanta, been interviewed on Catholic Radio and televised on EWTN Catholics Come Home program. For additional information regarding their ministry or to book them as speakers, go to www.mikeandlauriecarlton.com or integratedcatholiclife.org (Integrated Catholic Life) where Mike is a writer and speaker.
Miami Merger
The university’s most well-known tradition, When two hearts beat as one and both attended Miami, it’s a Miami Merger. If you kiss under the Upham Hall Arch, you will marry and the bond will never be broken.
Yeager Stadium, Fall 1989
Upham Arch, Spring 2018
Marriage Insights and Interviews
Journey Home
EWTN Global Catholic Television Network: Journey Home - Marcus Grodi - Mike Carlton - Former Presbyterian
Catholics Come Home
Couple overcomes challenge, now cheerleads for stronger Catholic marriages. Discover how the Holy Spirit transformed the Carltons independent challenges into a holy plan for a healthy marriage and family. Hear how the near death of their son solidified their prayer life and trust in God.
The Marriage Minute
What makes a good marriage? What takes a couple from that special ceremony to their 25th anniversary and beyond?
Gala Chair Couple 2024
Laurie and Mike Carlton recorded live at the Thy Kingdom Come! RC Atlanta Gala on Sunday, October 20, at the Georgia Aquarium.
Featured Speaking Engagements
Explore our Featured Speaking Engagements, where we delve into insightful discussions on three distinct facets of marriage, sharing wisdom, faith, and personal experiences to inspire and strengthen couples on their marital journey.
Temperaments God gave you
In our speaking engagement titled 'Temperaments God Gave You,' we delve into the fascinating world of personality temperaments, helping couples discover how their unique traits and tendencies can enrich their marriage, deepen their understanding of each other, and strengthen their bond in God's love.
Love Languages
In our Love Languages speaking engagement, we guide couples on a journey of self-discovery and connection, helping them unlock the profound language of love to nurture deeper emotional intimacy and lasting harmony in their marriage.