Preparing couples for marriage
Pre-marriage education programs aim to support couples as they prepare for marriage.
Our pre-marriage education programs are led by qualified, experienced adult educators with knowledge of relationship theory.
Couples learn how to:
- build skills to navigate and manage conflict
- discuss the challenges that they may face and plan positive ways to respond
- explore their relationship’s strengths and differences
- find ways to grow their friendship
- think creatively about a vision for the future and the marriage they want to build
We offer two Pre-Marriage Education programs: Partnerships and FOCCUS.
Remote FOCCUS
FOCCUS is currently being offered remotely using video conferencing. Please contact the location closest to you to make a booking.
FOCCUS is a pre-marriage education program for individual couples to reflect on their relationship in a private, confidential setting. Couples complete an online inventory then work through their responses with a qualified facilitator over three one-hour sessions.
The setting allows couples to talk about their strengths and discuss the challenges they may face as their relationship evolves.
Fees
FOCCUS costs $370 per couple (if both are employed) or $320 per couple if one or both is unemployed or a student.
An $85 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations with more than 10 days notice.
A $170 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations with less than 10 days notice.
A $65 transfer fee applies if a couple wishes to change one or more FOCCUS appointments.
Booking
FOCCUS runs from several locations across Melbourne and Gippsland. To book, please contact the location convenient to you:
Partnerships
We have now resumed our Partnerships workshops. Please be aware that the running of workshops is dependant on COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
Partnerships is held in a group setting with up to a dozen couples per group. It is led by two facilitators and each course runs from 9:30am to 5:00pm on a weekend.
The Partnerships workshop enables you to explore your relationship strengths and differences, learn new skills for growing your friendship, and develop a shared vision for your future together.
While Partnerships is a group program, couples will not be asked to share information about their relationship with other participants.
Fees
Partnerships costs $340 per couple.
An $80 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations with more than 10 days notice.
A $155 cancellation fee applies to to all cancellations with less than 10 days notice.
A $60 transfer fee applies if a couple wishes to transfer into a different program time or venue.
Booking
Partnerships courses are held in East Melbourne, and in Warragul (for couples living in Gippsland). Book a workshop online here.
Cancellations with interpreters
If you cancel an appointment that included the use of an interpreter, the cancellation fees applied by TIS National will be passsed on to you. See www.tisnational.gov.au for more information.
More information
Other services
You might also be interested in some of the following services offered at CatholicCare: