Last weekend we done a pre-marriage course which was run by an organisation called ACCORD. 

ACCORD is an Irish voluntary Catholic organisation that aims to promote a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and to offer people the means to safeguard and nourish their marriage and family relationships. The Marriage Preparation Course is seen as an opportunity for couples to take time out from the hectic planning of the Wedding Day and to focus on how things are between them.  To affirm what is going well and to name the areas of their relationship that might need some attention. The course takes place in the company of other couples preparing for Marriage and with the assistance of trained facilitators, themselves experienced in Marriage. 

'Marriage a Journey not a Destination'. This is the name given to the current ACCORD Marriage Preparation Course.  ACCORD recognises that couples are already on a journey.  This is a journey of discovery which began the first time they met. It is a journey that combines two histories, two families and two distinct sets of expectations of marriage. ACCORD highlights the core elements of a relationship and the course concentrates on exploring each of these. 

The course was held over a Friday evening and a Saturday and cost £100 per couple.   Our course consisted of 13 couples.  We were seated in groups of 6 and 8 people and on occasions each group had to discuss the core elements of a relationship which was outlined by the trainers.  However for most part of the course, couples discussed these areas privately.   The course highlighted the importance of communication skills with particular emphasis on the ability to listen.  It encouraged couples to discuss elements of a relationship which they may not have previously discussed in much detail.  The content of the course included family of origin, communication, conflict management, commitment, a couple as parents, Church/Sacrament, owning your sexuality, fertility awareness and well-being.  

The course is available all throughout Ireland and regardless of which location couples choose to do the course, the content of each course is the same for everyone and is delivered in the same way. At the end of the course each couple was presented with a small certificate and two candles which can be used during the marriage ceremony.  The writing on the candles read ‘Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love never Fails’  

For more information on Pre-Marriage Courses run by ACCORD you can visit their website using the link provided www.accord.ie

******************

Links to other wedding related sites.

Ireland's online wedding guide

www.bookourwedding.com

Ireland's wedding forums

www.niweddingforums.com

******************

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Bookourwedding