Couples meet at St. Catherine's on six designated* Saturdays by 6:30 PM. (no series currently scheduled) Childcare will be open from 6:20 until 8:55 PM. After children are settled, couples gather for a prayer, short topic introduction and a viewing of the DVD segment based on the topics outlined below. Some discussion will follow.
The couple is given a list of questions based on the DVD subject to discuss while on the date. Couples not using childcare can leave the church campus for their date. Because St. Catherine Church is not licensed to provide care for children whose parents are not on the grounds, the other couples will have their date on the church premises. It is recommended that they bring a picnic dinner or snacks, and if they like, wine to enjoy on the church grounds or in the parish center.
The fees cover the materials on which the DVD subjects are based. The childcare fees cover the cost of the childcare workers and must be paid for the entire six dates. Fees will not be returned after 6/17/2018, because the materials will have been purchased and the contracts with the childcare providers will have been set.
This series is not currently scheduled.
The six videos inspire spouses to become aware of the gift that they are to each other as husband and wife. The topics of the six dates are:
DATE 1: ONCE UPON A TIME... invites couples to remember how their love story began and how it has a special meaning because it is connected to God's love story.
DATE 2: MARRIAGE IS … explains what we believe about marriage as Catholics.
DATE 3: WHAT KEEPS YOU TOGETHER? suggests that it is the goodness they see in each other that keeps husband and wife together. In other words, it is the ability to see God's image in one another.
DATE 4: WHAT ABOUT ME? addresses the problem of selfishness in marriage.
DATE 5: THE BLUEPRINT OF LOVE suggests that to overcome selfishness we need to learn to love as Christ loves. The key attributes of Christ's love are: acceptance, commitment, sacrifice, forgiveness, healing, and service.
DATE 6: WHERE DO I FIND THE COURAGE? reminds us that learning to love like Christ loves is difficult. Prayer and God's grace can help us endure the challenges we encounter in our married life.