Are you being called to witness?

Dear Parishioners,

Over the last year our diocese and parishes have been actively working to begin a new model of catechetical formation for marriage.  The new model, "Witness to Love" is more than just marriage preparation.  It is a virtues-based, Catechumenate model of marriage formation.  Central to its approach is the incorporation of a mentor couple, chosen by the engaged couple who are actively living their Catholic Faith.   The program emphasizes relationship building, integration into parish life, deepening Faith, and personal transformation.  Notably, Witness to Love equips couples with the tools to navigate challenges and strengthen their bond for a lifetime of love through Christ.  Crucial to this, a mentor couples guides engaged and married couples in navigating challenges and fostering enduring bonds rooted in Christ's love.

In addition to this program, our parish also utilizes the FOCCUS Inventory, which stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study.  A valuable tool in marriage preparation, this inventory provides insights into a couple's relationship dynamics and areas that may require attention or improvement.  The inventory is an aid, that helps couples identify relationship strengths and potential areas of conflict, enabling them to address issues proactively.  By further understanding each other’s perspectives, couples can foster better communication, which is integral to a successful marriage.

Now, here is where you and your spouse come in.  Results from the FOCCUS Inventory are discussed with a facilitator couple, allowing the engaged couple to openly discuss their responses. This facilitated dialogue encourages meaningful conversation about topics that are essential for marital success but might otherwise be overlooked.  The inventory fosters an environment where continuous growth and dialogue are seen as integral to marriage, laying the groundwork for skills that will support the couple throughout their married life.

Our parish is truly blessed to have great couples like you.  I boldly ask you and your spouse to personally consider discerning if becoming a FOCCUS facilitator is a ministry the Lord is calling you to.   Our engaged couples need the wisdom and experience of you and your spouse.  The Obligations would be to attend an Online Training to become a FOCCUS facilitator, which can be done incrementally, and meet with one or two couples a year.  Once the training is completed, you will be able to facilitate the FOCCUS Inventory with an engaged couple.  Typically, the time for completion with a couple is 2-4 sessions.  Meetings usually take place in the Facilitator's home or at the parish.  My hope is to have at least two couple facilitators.

Take heart!  God is doing incredible things in our parish.  The growth we see in our parish families is a gift and witness to many young couples.  I am continually encouraged each week that the Lord is fulfilling a grand design for St. Joseph and St. Mary parishes.  May God grant that it to flourish!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Fleck