Marriage Life-Skills Course

The following options will help you obtain the practical marriage-building skills you need to fulfill Step 3. They are provided by parishes, approved organizations or by the Diocese of Phoenix.

Choose one of the four courses below:

1) Parish Course—Some parishes offer their own approved Married Life-Skills Course such as “Transformed in Love”, “Witness to Love,” and Unitas, which involve mentor couples from the parish. These parish courses, over several meetings, will give you and your fiancé sound guidance in the practical areas of marriage. You will also have the opportunity to get to know other couples journeying with you during your marriage prep and to learn from wise couples who have experienced the ups and downs of marriage.

2. Love for Life Engaged Weekend— This Diocesan Friday night/Saturday course is offered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix. Guided by expert presenters with a wide variety of experience, this weekend provides a comprehensive opportunity for you, as a couple, to focus on your relationship and to enter into honest dialogue with each other.

3. Engaged Encounter—This full Saturday/ Sunday weekend provides a retreat-like setting to engage in dialogue with each other and to hear from wise married couples living their Sacrament of Marriage. Topics are similar to the other options with more time to develop specific communication skills.

4. Loving Anew— The Loving Anew Remarriage Seminar is a one-day Saturday course designed as a Married Life Skills (Step 3) course for couples entering a marriage after annulment or passing of former spouse. Course covers Communication in Marriage, Conflict Resolution, Stewardship of God’s gifts–Finances; and an overview of the meaning of the Sacrament of Marriage. Light breakfast and full lunch served. All materials provided. Just bring energy and your love for your betrothed, open to what God has for you during the day!