The office for Marriage and Family Life seeks to promote the vocation of marriage and to support families in the variety of circumstances in which they find themselves today.
Couples seeking to enter into marriage in the Catholic Church must take part in a process of marriage preparation. In this diocese such preparation can take a variety of forms.
The Holy Family Project is a diocesan initiative aimed at offering support to married couples and families to grow in love of God and for one another. Further information can be found on http://schoenstatt.org.uk/ or by contacting Father Bryan Cunningham on fr.bryan@schoenstatt.org.uk
Marriage Preparation courses which present aspects of the vision of Christian married life today: expectations, communication, the Sacrament and the power of love.
For details about Marriage Preparation in your locality, please explore the drop downs below, or contact your Parish Priest.
‘Preparing Together’ our 1-day group experience, explores key relationship skills, expectations, sacrament and the importance of your marriage vows. Courses are available throughout England & Wales. Local venues include Blackburn, Oldham, Sale, Stockport and Altrincham. Click on this link and enter your postcode to find the next available dates.
In addition to the group courses we also offer a tailored one-to-one experience called FOCCUS. With increased flexibility around meeting times and dates and the opportunity for a deeper personal experience, this can be the preferred option for some couples.
Choose ‘FOCCUS’ for a more private couple experience, tailored to your unique relationship, exploring together relationship strengths and development opportunities.
To find out more about Marriage Care or book a programme near you, visit Marriage Care’s website or call the Appointments team on 0800 389 3801
The Sisters of Saint Michael the Archangel (SSMA), Ashton – Under – Lyne are offering Marriage Preparatory Course to couples intending to marry in the Catholic Church.
It is a four-week programme aimed at suggesting ideas for building a solid Catholic home. It is an interactive session between 1 and 2pm on Saturdays (subject to change).
If interested, kindly give us a call on 0161 339 3434.
Our address is: St. Christopher’s Presbytery, Lees Road, Ashton – Under – Lyne, OL6 8BA
The Parish of Our Lady’s in Moss Side is set to hold a Marriage Course, taking place next month.
The course will last four weeks, taking place on the four Sundays of February, beginning at 3pm.
The course will cost £75 per couple.
To find out more or register, please call the parish on 0161 226 1730.
Below are some Marriage Preparation Resources which catechists and parishes may find useful. These should not replace a marriage preparation course.
Marriage Preparation Presentation (PPT)
Marriage Preparation Presentation (PDF)
Love for a Lifetime – Booklet 1
Love for a Lifetime – Booklet 2
Love for a Lifetime – Booklet 3
Love for a Lifetime – Booklet 4
Need to talk? Need Someone to Listen?
We all aspire to harmony at home but inevitably couples experience relationship difficulties that they may struggle to resolve. When it’s hard to talk things through and challenges seem insurmountable, engaging a skilled relationship counsellor can make all the difference.
Whether things are not quite right or you are faced with a more serious relationship issue, Marriage Care is here to help. We listen carefully, help you to share with each other, feel more connected as a couple and support you towards finding a peaceful resolution.
To find out more about Marriage Care services or book an appointment near you, visit our website www.marriagecare.org.uk or call our appointments team on 0800 389 3801
The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church…. “The desire to marry and form a family remains vibrant, especially among young people, and this is an inspiration to the Church”. As a response to that desire, “the Christian proclamation on the family is good news indeed”.
Pope Francis, Amoria Laetitia
