THE MARRIAGE COURSE AT SACRED HEART

THURSDAY 10 JANUARY TO THURSDAY 6 MARCH

IN THE PARISH HALL

Download the application for in pdf format

What is the Marriage Course?

The Course is a very practical way of giving any couple the skills to build a strong marriage that lasts a lifetime. It is for any couple who wants to work together at their relationship. Over 8 evenings spent together couples talk about important issues that can get swept under the carpet in the rush of daily life.

Topics covered include: recognising each other's needs, learning to communicate effectively, resolving conflict, healing past hurt, knowing how to make each other feel loved, relating to parents and in-laws, good sex, making time for each other and having fun.

Privacy as a couple is always respected. There is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about your relationship to anyone else.

What is involved?

Each evening begins with a candlelit meal. There is then a video followed by an opportunity to discuss the topic together as a couple, and a topic to discuss at home. The setting is welcoming, relaxed and unthreatening.

Who designed the Course?

The course was first started by Nicky and Sila Lee in 1996. Nicky and Sila are on the staff at Holy Trinity Brompton - the London church that started the Alpha course. They have been married for more than 25 years and have four children. They have spoken to thousands on the subject of marriage and are the co-authors of The Marriage Book. They run the course at Holy Trinity Brompton three times a year and around 100 couples attend each course. The course is also run all over the country in many different types of parish.

Who is the course aimed at?

We want to encourage every couple, no matter how long they have been married, to invest in their relationship by coming on The Marriage Course. We particularly want to encourage couples in the first few years of their marriage to attend as we believe this will help them to set aside time to nurture their marriage at a very busy stage of their lives. Some couples have attended who have been married less than two years and others have been married for 30 years or more.

The course is beneficial and enjoyable for all couples, those whose marriage is strong and also those who are going through change or struggling with some issues.

While the Course is based on Christian principles we welcome couples with or without a church background. Many couples from outside the Church have enjoyed and benefited from doing the course.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost is £80 which includes a meal at all 8 evenings, manuals and an audio tape for any evening you are unable to attend. This is £10 per couple for each evening. You can pay in one lump sum, or by post dated cheques. Also so that no couple feels they could not participate in the course because of cost some bursaries will be available. All couples are welcome.

The Marriage Course will be in the Parish Hall for 8 consecutive weeks (excluding 21st February) starting on Thursday 10 January and ending Thursday 6 March.

If you would like to participate in the Marriage Course please complete the Registration Form which is at the back of the Church, in the presbytery Bookshop and on the Parish Website.