MRC launches research project

The Marriage Resource Centre, host of the Renaissance of Marriage, has launched a national research project to better understand how parishes manage their marriage related activities. Over the coming weeks, parishes accross the nation will be invited to complete an online survey about their practices and values regarding marraige preparation, enrichment and support of couples at various life stages.

The Parish Marriage Activities survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, seeks to get a national snapshot of parish practice in a number of key areas:

Preparation of couples for marriage. This is a substantial responsibility and parish practice differs widely. Some conduct preparation classes within the parish, and others outsource it to diocesan or third party groups. The survey looks at what courses parishes use, the features that are most highly valued by parishes, as well as how couples are provided with information about a Catholic wedding and the wedding liturgy.
Convalidation. With increasing numbers of couples marrying in non-church settings, convalidation is becoming a more common practice. The survey explores how parishes approach this issue with a view of being able to better equip them with resources to support them in this role.
Enrichment. This section of the survey seeks information on the marriage building practices that parishes undertake.
Support, Reconciliation & Inclusion. Parishes are also called to accompany couples and families in difficult situations. The survey examines the many issues to which parishes need to respond so that resources can be developed to support them in this role. An additional survey on the experience of being a ‘marital confidant’ explores this in more depth.

In addition to the Parish Marriage Activities survey, MRC also has the Marital Confidants survey and Marriage Help Seekers survey. Long before couples or spouses book into a counselling session, they are talking to friends and family about their situation. Sometimes, their confidant will provide them with solid support that helps them refocus their marriage and address their difficulties. Though well-intentioned, many times the support is not helpful and sometimes even harmful. The two surveys seek to better understand the experiences of ‘confiants’ and ‘marriage help seekers’ so that resources may be developed to encourage a network of well-prepared confidants in our communities who can respond confidently and constructively to requests for help.

The surveys will remain open until the end of the year and preliminary findings will be presented at the Renaissance of Marriage Conference in October (21 & 22). The results will inform a number of workshops and talks including a workshop by Sydney psychologist Anne Maree Goes for marital confidants. Titled, ‘The Accidental Counsellor‘ the workshop will provide participants with practical tools for use when a friend or family member confides that they are having marital difficulties.

The surveys may be accessed under Research Projects at the ROM website