The Engage course has six sessions running approximately 2 hours each, with additional take home activities.
Session overview
- A Mission to Love
Discussing the nature of love, this session introduces the concept of Smart Loving – a practical insight designed to make a couple’s efforts to love more efficient by helping them learn the specific ways in which their fiancé experiences love. The role of affirmation is also addressed. Theology of the Body focus: Love as Gift and the Body as Sacrament. - Dialogue: Being One
Using the PMRC’s L.I.F.E. communication framework, couples will learn how to communicate effectively and intimately. A technique for accomplishing Emotional Communion (empathy) is also taught. Theology of the Body focus: Communion of Persons. - Forgiveness & Life Long Union
In this session, couples learn how to use the Stop-Reflect-Connect tool for values-based decision making. Conflict and the role of forgiveness is examined, including an adaptation for the Stop-Reflect-Connect tool for the specific purpose of reconciliation.
Theology of the Body focus: Nuptial Meaning of the Body. - Knowing Me, Knowing You
Session 4 is a detailed examination of the couple’s attitudes and beliefs about sexuality and marriage, looking particularly at their family of origin. The impact of other significant relationships including emotional injuries is addressed.
Theology of the Body focus: The Redemption of the Body. - Sex: Sacred Embrace
This session examines how, contrary to popular belief, marital sex is an intimate communication rather than just a recreational activity. The concept of sex as a sacramental gesture and a renewal of wedding vows is explored. A take home DVD provides a summary of key concepts regarding sexuality with a discussion of natural fertility methods and their benefits.
Theology of the Body focus: Sex as Sacred Body Language. - Spirituality: Soul Mates for Life
This session addresses the sacramentality of marriage and will direct couples towards spiritual intimacy with their fiancé. Specific issues relating to couples of mixed faith are addressed. Couples who are not Catholic, or who do not practice their Catholic faith, are gently invited to become fully engaged members in parish life.
Theology of the Body focus: Marriage as an Image of Christ and the Church.
More Information about the Engage Curriculum
Engage Overview:
The unique features of Engage: – this post
The benefits of mentoring to the engaged, the mentor, the parish:
The course outline:
The course materials:
