Practical support for marriages

Brian & Debbie Kensey of St Anthony’s parish with gifts they received from our family for our 40th Wedding Anniversary this year.

Brian & Debbie Kensey have always lamented the lack of practical marriage support given by our Church. “Yes, the Church will provide counselling when problems arise,” admits Brian, “but why not help prepare couples for the obvious challenges they will face before they occur?”

Brian and Debbie, who are married 40 years this year, have also wondered why the font of practical knowledge available in faithfully married couples is not shared within the Church to assist couples in their marriage journey.

That’s why Brian & Debbie are one of 20 couples from the parishes of St Anthony’s, Wanniassa, St Thomas the Apostle, Kambah, Our Lady Help of Christians, Pearce and St Augustine’s, Yass, who are piloting The Marriage Course with a view to running it for other couples in 2021.  

Prakash & Winnie Rebello of Kambah parish

After 20 years of marriage, Winnie & Prakash Rebello had begun to notice that the demands of work, friends, relatives, children, careers, hobbies, and community meant there was little time left for their relationship. “We discussed this but had no idea how to deal with this,” said Winnie. “The advertisement on Daily Voice was very timely and a great idea to see if we can get our answers.”

The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions, delivered online, designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Topics covered include ‘Strengthening Connection,’ ‘The Art of Communication’ and ‘The Impact of Family”. Couples gather in person or online to view the sessions, but all discussion happens just between them. 

The Kenseys, who are seasoned presenters with the Ministry to the Newly Married program, have been very impressed by The Marriage Course. Programs like this are useful at any time of your marriage,” says Debbie. “It is extremely practical,” says Brian, “attendees gain so much from the wide variety of practical experience the presenters give.”

The Archdiocesan Marriage Family & Relationships team hopes to roll out The Marriage Course across multiple parishes next year.

If you would like more information about the course itself visit www.marriagecourse.org.au To enquire about upcoming courses in this Archdiocese contact Steph Ransom, Archdiocesan Family Support Officer steph.ransom@cg.org.au.