When couples choose to get married in a Catholic church there are certain things demanded of them: paperwork, organising the liturgy and taking part in a marriage preparation course. In our own Pastoral Area of Slough we arrange three marriage preparation days each year and we ask couples intending to get married to attend one of them.
In 2016 we welcomed 30 couples over the four days. The days are led by lay members of our parishes, people (individuals or couples) who have been married for five years or more, who believe in marriage and who feel comfortable speaking in front of a small group of people.
The material for the days (questionnaires, discussion topics, DVDs) is all supplied and revolves around the issues of commitment, communication and dealing with conflict. Lunch is provided each of the days for the couples and leaders and there is a short liturgy to complete the day, which consists of the blessing of engagement rings. Such marriage preparation days have been held in our Pastoral Area have been held for the best part of ten years now and they have proved very popular.