Marriage Preparation
Engaged Couple Seminars throughout the Diocese
CLICK HERE for a complete listing of engaged couple seminars found throughout the Diocese of Manchester.
NH Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekends
Provides quality marriage preparation primarily for couples who are planning to marry in the Catholic Church. However, couples who are not Catholic are also welcome to attend one of the weekends. This program is available in most dioceses in the United States and in many locations internationally.
Click here for the NH Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend (NHCEE) website
Janice and Tom LaChance, (603) 424-2856, e-mail: lachancet@aol.com
NH Schedule for 2010-2011
Mary Joseph Retreat Center, Biddeford, ME, April 1-3, 2011
Rivier College, Nashua, NH, June 3-5, 2011
Mary Joseph Retreat Center, Biddeford, ME, October 14-16, 2011
Cost: $350/couple for each weekend. (Cost includes $75 nonrefundable fee.)
Thinking About Remarriage Workshop
“Thinking about Remarriage” is a daylong program for couples (where one or both were previously married) who are thinking about marriage or who are engaged to be married. Sponsored by the Diocese of Manchester, and presented by a Catholic priest and couples who have remarried, this program helps couples take an in-depth look at and discuss major issues related to remarriage, e.g.:
- Emotional closure of the first marriage.
- Expectations and key issues of the new marriage.
- The blending of children and families.
- Continuing relationships among extended family members, community and the Church.
This program is given twice a year on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish Center, Manchester.
Dates: January 15, 2011 and May 21, 2011
Location: St. Pius X Parish Center, Manchester, NH
Contact: Office of the Sacrament of Marriage, (603) 669-3100, Ext. 173 for registration form and details.
FOCCUS
FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication and Study) is an internationally used inventory designed to provide engaged couples and those working with them a personalized profile of what is needed in their marriage preparation process. It is both a starting place for couple discussion and a map of what issues need time and attention, affirmation or problem solving.
Designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship, FOCCUS is not a test, nor is it meant to be a predictor of marital success or failure. It is a tool to help couples identify and work through issues before marriage.
The Diocese of Manchester offers FOCCUS training for clergy, pastoral associates, and couples invited by their pastor. Deacon Mark Hobson, a certified trainer of FOCCUS facilitators will present the sessions. Those trained are then able to assist in administering the FOCCUS inventory. For more information, contact Pat Gabree at the Office of the Sacrament of Matrimony at 669-3100, Ext. 172.


