Seeking Parishes and Couples to Share the Joy of their Sacramental Marriage
Whether your parish is looking to offer a group retreat or to work one on one with an engaged couple, the Office of Family Life provides the training and support needed to run a complete marriage preparation program at your parish; this includes two courses: God’s Plan and Life Skills, plus mentorship. If your parish does not have the means to run a complete program, these trainings can be taken separately according to the needs of your parish.

 
Course 1: God’s Plan 
Online with mentor training included

This course covers the theology and sacramentality of marriage. This training is best for clergy and married couples.

Ascension’s God’s Plan immerses couples in the meaning of the sacrament of marriage and the Theology of the Body along with activities and reflections to foster discussion and the application of God’s principles to their own lives.

God’s Plan Facilitator Training is composed of two phases.

Part one: Two hours of video content to be watched at your own pace. 

Part two: The second module involves learning more about the content of the program and tried-and-true best practices to communicate that content to engaged couples.

Course 2: Life Skills
Hybrid of online and in person with mentor training included. This training is best for married couples.

Ascension’s Life Skills for Couples offers studied approaches and acquired wisdom to help brides and grooms navigate the practical components of married life. Topics such as Communicating Love and Resolving Conflict are viewed through the lens of the development of virtue and the vocation of marriage.

Life Skills for Couples Facilitator Training is offered in two phases.
Part one: Two hours of video content to be watched at your own pace. 
Part two: Couples attend an in-person training session to address delivery of content, retreat experience, and Q&A.

Mentor Training
Online

Engaged couples benefit greatly from the support of a seasoned mentor couple both now and in their future married life. Mentorship is the opportunity for couples to create bonds with one another and their parish community, and see the Church as a resource in marital support. This training allows married couples to work at their own pace.

Separated and Divorced Support Training
In person or online

The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide will equip facilitators with practical insights and resources to start and run a group, including how to minister emotionally and spiritually to the separated and divorced.

Additional Opportunities

If your parish has special needs as you try to begin offering marriage preparation or to train your married facilitators, we can help you design a program that fits those needs.