SHARING FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE

Marriage preparation ministry is a like-to-like ministry to the engaged. Sponsor/Group Program couples are not expected to be marriage counselors, psychologists or theologians. They are experts, however, on the subject of their own marriages and what it takes to make them work. Each Sponsor/Remarriage/Group Program couple teaches indirectly by sharing their personal experiences with the engaged. Where appropriate, the leader couple transmits the teaching of the Church with clarity and sensitivity.

Remember that the couple will not relate to abstract principles. In the years to come, what the couple will remember is you and how you shared the joys, trials, successes and failures of your own marriage with them. Very often, the relationship between the married and engaged couples grows into a caring and committed friendship.

Sharing is a gift of yourself to the couple, i.e., who you are, how you feel, your attitudes, your joys, your hopes and your present struggles in marriage. It is your caring attitude and willingness to share your marriage which leads the engaged couple to experience "Church" in its most fundamental form. See SHARING YOUR STORY (right).

The engaged couple will be observing your interaction as a married couple very closely. Be sure to demonstrate kindness and respect for one another. Joking comments and negative humor about your spouse or married life can cancel out your words. Allow your loving regard for your spouse and your family to be a goal for the new couple.

The needs of your family must come first. If there is an emergency or one of your children needs your attention, please excuse yourself and go to aid your family. These sessions are to reflect Christ-centered family life.