Over 35 people have been trained as facilitators of the God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage program.  But, we continue to be in need of additional Facilitators!  Are you willing to respond to the Church’s urgent need to strengthen marriage?  Are you confident of the beauty of the Church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality and willing to boldly confront the culture’s contraceptive mentality?  If so, please attend our next Facilitator’s Training for the God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage program.  

When:   To be announced
Where:  Bishop O’Connor Center, Madison.   
Time:   
Purpose:  Train attendees in the content, methodology and delivery of the God’s Plan Program. 

Who should attend the training?  Any individual or couple that values marriage and is willing to commit their time to the effort.  Knowledge of theology of the body and church teaching on marriage is important, but what you may lack we can help prepare you! 

What are the benefits for the facilitators?  Threefold –you get to serve others in a ministry that will have long-term effects for our diocese, our church and the culture we live in.  You will become familiar with the Theology of the Body, one of the cornerstones of the Holy Spirit’s Springtime of Faith.  And if married, your marriage will be strengthened, perhaps taking it to a level of love and commitment you never dreamed possible! 

Cost:  All the costs of the training including materials, meals, and lodging will be covered by the diocese.  Donations will be accepted.  Lack of money should not prevent any couple or individual from attending this training. In addition, childcare may be offered if necessary.

REGISTER TODAY!   

To learn more about marriage preparation or upcoming God’s Plan training, please contact Andy Galvin at 608-821-4517 or agalvin@straphael.org.    Click here for Volunteer Expectations.

 is a witness and dialogue day led by a team of married couples and clergy/pastoral ministers sharing their experiences on key relationship issues including self-awareness, communication, intimacy and marriage as a faith journey.  Engaged couples spend significant time dialoguing privately on these issues. 

What are the skills and experiences that would most benefit engaged couples as the prepare for marriage?  Are you willing to share your experiences with them?  If so, we need you to be part of the team!

New Team Couples are trained either individually or with another new couple by a seasoned Team Couple.  The couple prepares 2 presentations over a 1-2 month training period that can be scheduled according to their personal, work and family needs.  A training manual is provided that describes the procedures for the Day and guidance on how to write the presentations.

To learn more about training for Real Life, Real Love., Andy Galvin at 608-821-4517 or agalvin@straphael.org.   For Volunteer Expectations, please click here.

St. Raphael's Pilgrims is a prayer group formed to support marriage preparation in the Diocese of Madison. Its members commit to a daily prayer, sacrifice, or devotion of their choice. The group has taken St. Raphael as their patron saint, not only because he is the patron saint of the Madison Diocese but also because of his role in the marriage of Tobiah and Sarah in the book of Tobit. Those interested in joining or in more information may e-mail eseyfert@straphael.org.

FOCCUS 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.  Many parishes around the diocese use this diagnostic tool, and it's a great way for engaged couples to form mentoring relationships with experienced married couples.  You don't need to be perfect, just willing to share your marriage and your faith!  Contact your parish to see if you can be involved in FOCCUS.

FOCCUS Training sessions

 

• September 17 & October 1

The training will cover the basics of facilitating the FOCCUS inventory, the handscoring process and the new online scoring process described below, and factors that will help new FOCCUS couples become comfortable in their facilitator role.  For more information, or to register, call 608-821-4517.