By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News / Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan
“Building Faith-Filled Families” was the theme of a workshop Nov. 19 introducing a new marriage preparation and formation curriculum in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Attended by some 40 participants, including resource couples and clergy, the day-long event held at the Cathedral of the Holy Family offered “practical tools for meaningful discussions and an invitation to become life-long disciples together, united in Christ,” said Marilyn Jackson, diocesan Director of Ministry Services.
The event included a walk-through of the new curriculum, demonstrations of presenting themes, a chance to use the materials, discussion of adult learning principles and creating an environment of hospitality and safety.
Developed by a diocesan committee established by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, the new curriculum will be used by parishes across the diocese in forming couples who are preparing for marriage. Guests Rachele and Clement Ng were recognized at the workshop for the research that went into the process.
The vision for marriage formation in the diocese “seeks to provide practical tools to raise topics for meaningful discussion and invite engaged couples into the life of a faith community.”
“Through radical hospitality and the witness of Catholic married couples, engaged couples will be supported in their journey to becoming life-long disciples together, united in Christ.” – Marriage Formation Guidelines 2022
Themes in the new curriculum that were explored during the workshop included Family of Origin and Communication, addressed by speakers Tracy and John Connelly; Communication, Sexuality and Family Planning, presented by Monique and Ryan Leblanc; and Spirituality and Prayer, reflected on by Chantale and Myron Rogal.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen also spoke about the Sacrament of Marriage.
In the bishop’s message included in the guidelines, Hagemoen noted: “I have been hearing from many clergy and laity throughout the diocese – in both our rural and urban parishes – about the need for strong support for couples discerning life-long, Catholic marriage. The diocese of Saskatoon seeks to provide solid theological formation and practical tools to address and raise topics for meaningful teaching and discussion, as we invite engaged couples through their parish faith communities to discern this wonderful, God-given vocation.“
Hagemoen added: “It is our hope that the support we provide to pastors, parishes and marriage formation teams will assist our parishes and pastoral regions in equipping engaged couples to enter into marriage with faithfulness, joy, and hope. As we accompany young couples in their journey towards holy matrimony, let us aim to surround them by our larger circle of family, friends and faith community.”
For more information about marriage preparation in the diocese of Saskatoon, please contact Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836 or visit the website at MARRIAGE PREPARATION INFO.
Photos by Sr. Malou Tibayan, Verbum Dei missionary fraternity:
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