USING WORKBOOKS

The Perspectives on Marriage workbook and To Trust Again re-marriage workbook (ACTA Publications, 1998) contain many good exercises to bring home the main points that the engaged couples need to discuss.  Remarriage couples also use Once More with Love, by Bobbi Coyle Hennessey (Ave Maria Press, 1993).

Only one workbook is needed for each couple, since exercises are provided in duplicate and perforated for easy removal.

Expanded introductions to each worksheet and suggestions for use are contained in the Perspectives and To Trust Again Leader's Guides.

There are more exercises and outlines presented in the workbooks than you will need during the marriage preparation sessions. You, as the lead couple, are asked to choose which exercise(s) the engaged couple needs to use during the session. The other exercises can be assigned as homework and you are encouraged to do so, as needed.

Invite the engaged couple to complete any additional pages that interest them before or after the wedding.

Before each session, decide which workbook pages you will have the couple complete.

You and your spouse will find it helpful to complete the worksheets yourselves before the session. Your first-hand experience with the exercise will give you a place to begin discussion.

USING INFORMATION FOLDERS

Prepackaged folders for the engaged couple will be assigned to you from your parish office, parish coordinator or the Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office of the Archdiocese. As topics unfold during the program, introduce the printed materials provided in the Couple Packet.

Remind the couple to bring the Workbook back to each subsequent session.

These materials are not to be placed on a table for them to pick up. Not only has the couple paid for the materials but also, they may wish to read the materials more closely later.

USING VIDEOS

Short video presentations can be useful discussion starters. Be sure that any materials you show are in keeping with your role as a Catholic catechist and teacher of the faith. The parish religious education office, as well as the Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation office, are good sources for videos.

ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

Be sure all materials you use are in accord with Catholic tradition. Many other good programs are available to sponsor couples and Pre-Cana teams. Some can even be used in correspondence with a marriage preparation leader/clergy representative. This is often helpful when the partners are living in distant locations.