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Our trainings offer practical skills such as conflict resolution, decision-making, financial management, and communication. This will build on the knowledge you gained from your marriage inventory. There are various educational programs available in the diocese, with formats varying from a weekend retreat to multiple evening meetings. Your priest or deacon can help you select the program that best fits your needs.
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 three courses below:
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.
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.
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.