Bishop John Hine, Chair of the Bishops’ Committee for Marriage and Family Life, will launch a Catholic Marriage Preparation Survey during Marriage Week UK (February 8-14). All those involved in preparing couples for marriage are invited to take part in the survey, including priests, deacons, marriage preparation providers, and of course the couples themselves. The short surveys can be filled in online at celebratingfamily.org.uk.
Questions include:
Why did you take part in the marriage preparation course? Was it easy to find information in advance? How has the course affected your understanding of yourself, your partner and your relationship? How did you come to be involved in marriage preparation? Which topics do you cover in your course? What months are you generally busiest?
The survey aims to look at:
how many people are involved in marriage preparation, their background and experience, and what they offer to couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony
how many couples the Catholic community are preparing for this lifetime’s commitment
how couples experience this ministry of the Catholic community
In a recent visit to the Pontifical Council for the Family, Bishop Hine received backing for the survey:
“The sacrament of matrimony is a blessing that lasts for a lifetime, not just the day of the ceremony. Preparation for such a great commitment, then, is an essential step in the journey towards marriage. I discussed the Committee’s plans to better understand how couples are currently prepared for marriage during my visit to the Pontifical Council for the Family last week. They welcomed the survey which will undoubtedly give us a much better indication of how we can further develop this vital family ministry in future.”
Rt Rev John Hine
Diocesan Administrator, Archdiocese of Southwark
Chair, Bishops’ Conference Committee for Marriage and Family Life
“I’m delighted that the Committee have launched this enquiry into marriage preparation. The survey will yield a great deal of useful information that will help us better understand the ways in which this critical form of sacramental preparation is delivered. I’m especially keen to encourage participation from priests and from marriage preparation providers who are not affiliated to any national or diocesan programme.”
Elizabeth Davies
Marriage and Family Life Project Officer
To mark Marriage Week UK, celebrations of marriage will take place in many dioceses across England and Wales:
A Mass in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Marriage will be held in the Diocese of Shrewsbury on Saturday 13th February at 2pm in St Columba’s Church, Chester, with Bishop Brian as Principal Celebrant.
Contact Clara Donnelly, Marriage and Family Life Coordinator
Tel: 0151 691 2811
Email: cc.donn@talktalk.net
On Sunday, 14th February, Archbishop Vincent Nichols will be leading prayers in the Archdiocese of Liverpool at the annual celebration of marriage and family life at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday at 3pm.
Contact: Veronica Murphy, Coordinator for Faith Formation
Tel: 0151 522 1048
Email: v.murphy@rcaol.co.uk
Bishop Malcolm McMahon will be presiding at St. Barnabas Cathedral in the Diocese of Nottingham at 3pm.
Contact: Rev. John Sherrington, Chair,
Marriage and Family Life Commission,
Tel 0115 9268288
Email: family.nottingham@btinternet.com
More information
Marriage Week UK celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of marriage as the basis for family life in the UK. It has been held since 1997 and spans the week including Valentine’s Day.
Elizabeth Davies
Marriage and Family Life Project Officer
CBCEW
39 Eccleston Square
London, SW1V 2BX
t. 07817 479694
e. elizabeth.davies@cbcew.org.uk
