ABOUT US

Who We Are

The Catholic Church has been providing Marriage Education programs through Catholic Marriage Education Services and its predecessors in the Diocese since 1949. It has offered a wide range of courses and services to assist couples who are married or preparing for marriage. We are pleased to be able to continue to do so.

MARRIAGE IS AN INTIMATE PARTNERSHIP OF LIFE AND LOVE ESTABLISHED BY GOD AND BLESSED ABUNDANTLY BY CHRIST.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Engagement is an exciting time when a couple's love for each other can grow and strengthen. It is also an opportunity to prepare for the commitment of marriage. Here at Catholic Marriage Education Services our aim is to assist engaged couples to prepare for this commitment, through the courses, programmes and services we offer.

As you look forward to your future together you are no doubt aware that lasting marriages and relationships don't just happen, they require an investment of energy, time and skill.

All of our Marriage Preparation courses provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your relationship and identify your strengths and challenges, develop skills and gain valuable insight into:

  • The Nature of Commitment
  • Expectations of Marriage
  • Family Influences
  • Intimate Communication
  • Managing Conflict
  • Sexuality
  • Fertility
  • Spirituality
  • and more ...


Lifelong learning is now an accepted part of any worthwhile endeavour. Our relationships are no exceptions. We hope that your premarriage course will be you first step in lifelong learning and education about your relationship. Take time to read through What We Do and the courses that are offered and choose the course most appropriate to your needs as a couple.

You are also invited to participate in our post wedding program, Together in Harmony. The cost of this program is included in your registration for any premarriage course. A suggested date is detailed with your premarriage session but you are encouraged to attend the session most convenient to you.

We encourage you to commit yourselves to accessing various relationship enrichment and education programs throughout your life together. You will find it well worth the effort.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT

Your married life together is a journey. Usually everything is smooth sailing but at times we all have our storms to weather. Couple sometimes hesitate to attend marriage enrichment and education events because their relationship is going well and yet, it is the times of smooth sailing that we need to use to do the necessary maintenance and repairs on our relationships. We don’t wait for the storm to hit before we clean out the gutters.

Research consistently demonstrates that couples who put time and effort into their relationships and who take time away from their busy lives to reflect and learn more about themselves and their relationships have marriages which are stronger, more resilient, happier and more fulfilling.

Participating in a Marriage Enrichment program is a sign that partners are committed to each other and expressing a desire to build an even stronger marriage it is not an indication of relationship difficulties.

In this Archdiocese there are many different opportunities for Marriage Enrichment and Education. Some of them are offered by this agency and some by other organisations. Please contact our office to find out more about what is currently on offer.

Derek Boylen
Director