Partnerships - more information
Pre-marriage Education
Partnerships is a marriage education program conducted in a group setting at a range of centres throughout Melbourne and Geelong.
About the Partnerships program
This course consists of 2 consecutive Sundays OR 2 consecutive Saturdays OR a Saturday and a Sunday OR 4 weeknights.
Partnerships is a marriage education program conducted in a group setting with up to 14 couples.
Sessions are designed for couples to explore their relationship strengths and differences. While most of the work is done as individual couples, participation in the group provides an enjoyable opportunity to meet and learn from other couples.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Communication: What are the characteristics of good communication? How do we respond to each other in a way that builds a strong marriage?
- Conflict Management: How can appropriate management of our differences have a positive effect on our relationship?
- Personality Differences: How can we appreciate the gift of each other’s uniqueness?
- Sacrament and Commitment: Can we recognise that our love for each other can be an expression of our spirituality? How do we make choices that position our partner as our first priority and create a sense of one-ness?
- Sexuality: How can we make our sexual relationship special in our married life?
Couples participating in this program enjoy the experience of being with others who are at the same stage of life considering or preparing for marriage. The age range of couples participating in this program is 22 – 40 years (approximately)
Most of the work is done as individual couples, however some discussion is held in the large group. All large group discussion is more general and couples are not asked, or expected, to share anything personal. An example of this might be the facilitators’ brainstorming what helps or hinders the management of conflict in an important relationship. What might be helpful for one person may not be for another.
CatholicCare group programs are conducted by professionally trained educators. The groups are deliberately limited in size so each couple can benefit from the support of the educators. This provides the best opportunity for couples to explore their relationship to help them build a healthy and loving marriage.
Who are the Partnerships staff?
There are 28 educators employed in the Marriage and Relationship Education Unit. Some of our staff have been doing this work for over 20 years, with the majority working between 5 and 10 years.
The Partnerships Educators are very professional and they participate in supervision and professional development very regularly. They have a passion for their work and are very committed to working with couples to encourage them to build strong and healthy marriages. They are also lots of fun!
To register for a Partnerships program, choose a convenient date, and complete the registration form. Don’t delay, as some programs book out well in advance! Register online now.
Partnership program FAQs
Q: Do we need to bring lunch?
A: Yes, you need to either bring lunch (most venues have a microwave oven) or buy lunch at nearby shops. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available all do at every program.
Q: Do we need to bring paper and pens?
A: No, all pens and paper etc. are supplied.
Q: Will I be asked to speak in front of the group?
A: No. The focus is on your couple relationship and having time to talk together. Some general discussion occurs in the large group which couples enjoy.
Q: Is the cost per person or per couple?
A: The cost is for the couple.
Q: Do we get a certificate at the end of the program?
A: Yes, all couples receive a certificate that state you have attended a Partnerships Program, date and this is signed by the educators.
Q: What if my partner is not a Catholic?
A: Many of our couples have one partner who is not Catholic. The program is designed to explore healthy marriage and so is relevant to people of all backgrounds.
