FACILITATING PRAYER

Marriage preparation gives the engaged couple an opportunity to become more comfortable praying together and with others. Interfaith couples can discover ways to include prayer in their new home. Show them how you pray at home when they visit for their sessions.

Before you begin each session, invite all to a quiet attitude of prayer ("Before we begin, let us recall that God is with us and pray."). Begin with thanksgiving ("We thank you, God, for this week."). Invite their participation, as they become more comfortable with you ("Is there someone that you would like to remember in our prayer tonight?").

A reading from Scripture is appropriate at the beginning or end of the visit. Read the passage slowly, allow a few minutes for silent reflection, and share insights with each other.

To conclude a prayer time, you may ask God to bless the couples present, both engaged and married couples, as well as their families and those whom they love. Also, ask God to be their constant companion as they journey together through life.

FACILITATING DIALOGUE

Assure confidentiality. Stress these points about privacy:

• You consider the couple's written answers to be strictly private. You will neither collect them nor discuss them with anyone outside the group.
• Any information you share with the engaged couple about your life and marriage is also to remain in the group. You expect them to keep what you tell them in strictest confidence.
• It is their priest/deacon who is responsible for judging whether they will be permitted to marry in the Church. Your aim is to help them think through some basic points about married life.

STARTERS FOR DIALOGUE

• "How did it feel to share your worksheet answers with each other?"
• "How do you feel about sharing your responses to questions with us?
• "What new information did you learn about your partner?"
• "Which of the items did you find the most helpful (troubling, etc.)?"