Centre for Lay Education

Marriage Preparation Workshops 2014

WHAT IS MARRIAGE PREPARATION?  
Marriage Preparation is an interactive, hands-on learning weekend. Couples come to the weekend to hear short presentations and then discuss with one another the topics that have been raised. Couples are encouraged to participate to the degree that they feel comfortable. The program also includes group discussion, some role-play, along with written exercises. These courses are sponsored by the Centre for Lay Education, and the leadership teams are from the Anglican and United Churches of Canada.


WHATEVER HAPPENED TO JUST BEING IN LOVE?
Nothing, thank goodness! We trust that being in love is still as romantic and blissful as ever! But bliss and romance alone won’t carry you through the challenges that every marriage encounters at one time or another. The Marriage Preparation Programs encourage you to communicate with each other about issues that don’t necessarily occur to a couple caught up in the busy whirl of planning for a wedding.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION - WHO NEEDS IT?
Everyone who’s thinking of getting married or remarried could benefit from these courses. No matter how long you’ve known one another. The best time to participate in a Marriage Preparation Program is at least four to six months before the wedding. However, if you take part in the months immediately following your wedding these courses are equally valuable.


TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER
The Marriage Preparation Program leaders have all received training in Marriage Preparation and are experienced at working with groups. They usually work in pairs with one male and one female leading each group. Leaders include both trained clergy and trained laypersons.


WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Each program includes a careful study of our families of origin, that is the cultures, traditions, behaviors, attitudes, out of which each of us emerge; roles in marriage in today's world; communication skills and conflict management; sexuality and spirituality. We look at some of the myths associated with marriage, along with realistic expectations, intimacy and commitment. The details and specific concerns vary in each group, and the leaders remain flexible and prepared to respond to the issues raised by the participants in each program.


I’M REALLY BUSY. IS IT WORTH MY TIME?
Recent studies have clearly illustrated that couples genuinely benefit from taking part in the Marriage Preparation Programs. That’s why we do it! Although couples are often initially hesitant to participate in the program, our evaluations reveal that most of the couples participating believe that the program has led them to a deeper awareness of themselves and of their skills in sustaining a strong and meaningful relationship. As a result, they readily recommend the course to others!


HOW TO REGISTER
The Marriage Education Workshops are administered through the Centre for Lay Education at Montreal Diocesan Theological College. Complete and send in the enclosed registration form along with the fee of $150.00 per couple, (cheque or money-order, no cash please) payable to:

“Montreal Diocesan Theological College” or "MDTC"

Mail To:
Montreal Diocesan Theological College
attn: The Rev. Tim Smart
3475 University
Montreal, Quebec. H3A-2A8

Tel: 514-849-4437 (only in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
The best way to be in touch is by email to Tim Smart
     

[* If you are looking for courses run by the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Montreal, please follow this link.]

Workshops for 2014
Download the Registration Form and the Marriage Flyer.
Friday from 7 pm – 10 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 4 pm.

March 21 - 22
May 9 - 10
October 17 -18

Location of the above courses:
St. Andrew and St. Mark's Parish
865 Lakeshore Drive
Dorval, Quebec
H9S-2C7  
514-631-3601   Googlemaps

Minimum of 5 couples per course.
Maximum of 10 couples per course.