We believe that marriage can and should be a wonderful adventure of love and joy, and we take our responsibilities to all our couples extremely seriously. For this reason, and because we know how deeply you want your marriage to have the best chance of lasting and growing in joy, we are committed to preparing you for your marriage as fully as we can.
We do this in two ways –
(1) ‘FOCCUS’ RELATIONSHIP EXERCISE
As a couple, we ask you to complete a web-based exercise called ‘FOCCUS’ (www.affinities.org.uk) , in which you each respond to some simple statements about relationships. It costs only £10 per couple, and the results are sent back to us, after which a couple from our marriage mentoring team will meet with you on several evenings, to help you talk about your relationship together. Foccus is not a test, but rather acts as a starting point for you to discuss your relationship with each other, both on your own, and with the help of a trained couple. Further information on how to do this will be sent when you return your application form.
The exercise has been in use in several countries for many years and has been used by thousands of couples. It consists of 156 statements, which you either agree or disagree with. FOCCUS is not a test but rather acts as a starting point for you to discuss your relationship with each other with the help of someone trained to do this.
A Couple who have used FOCCUS said,
"Looking back, we realise how fortunate we were to have done the inventory,
to have a safe space to think about all aspects of our relationship
and to have had such support.
We went into our marriage understanding what we were entering into.
It was great fun..." (Nick & Sal, married January 2001)
(2) MARRIAGE PREPARATION DAY
We invite all couples getting married in any one year to a Marriage Preparation Day, in which we look at various areas of opportunity and challenge which all couples face, and learn together some of the skills that can turn challenge into opportunity. During the day, you will have the chance to talk with one of our organists, and we also ‘walk through’ a wedding. The Day costs £25 per couple, which includes a copy of one of the best selling and most comprehensive relationship guides on the market. Lunch is provided.
The date for 2012 will be confirmed later this year.