A sponsor couple is a married couple that mentors an engaged couple to help them prepare for the vocation of marriage and family life by sharing their experiences, teaching skills in communication and discipleship, and exploring the strength and growth areas of the engaged couple’s relationship using an approved marriage inventory tool.
A marriage inventory is a tool that uses scientific data to identify the strengths and growth areas of a couple’s relationship at a particular moment in time. While there is information that every couple needs to know, the inventory allows for marriage preparation to be customized to the couple’s strengths and needs. It is not a test that can be passed or failed. Rather, the bride and groom each answer a series of questions about some important areas of building a healthy relationship, and then a mentor couple goes over the results with them and fosters good conversation. They meet for several session, and receive a certificate at the end, which is included in their marriage preparation file.
Yes – In the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, parishes may choose from the following marriage inventories: Fully Engaged, Prepare/Enrich, or FOCCUS. Below is information about each of these options.
FOCCUS offers two types of training:
Become a Facilitator Trainings: Experience the joy of preparing engaged couples for marriage and enriching the lives of those already married. Receive training and become certified as a FOCCUS/REFOCCUS Facilitator.
Refresher Trainings: For those currently certified as a Facilitator or Trainer we are encouraging you to complete a Refresher FOCCUS/REFOCCUS training. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the new materials (such as evangelization, Millennials, and praying with couples) to improve your conversations with couples and keep you up-to-date on our ministry and procedures.
Cost: $115 per individual & spouse attends free (includes one FOCCUS and one REFOCCUS manual & shipping). Click on the date to register for the Zoom class you would like to attend. Time is Central Time.
ENGLISH
SPANISH
(Must be a certified Facilitator to attend Refresher)
Cost: $39 per individual & spouse attends free (does not include manuals). Click on the date to register for the Zoom class you would like to attend. Time is Central Time.
ENGLISH
SPANISH
If your organization has training needs other than the classes or schedule listed above please contact FOCCUS at [email protected] or 877-883-5422.
Every engaged couple needs a “relationship skills” component and a faith-based component to their marriage preparation. Some parishes have Sponsor Couples for the relationship skills portion, using a marriage inventory, and they send the engaged couple on a live or virtual retreat for the sacramental formation part. Other parishes may use Sponsor Couples for both the relationship skills and the faith-based component. In this case, the Sponsor Couple will also use catechetical materials to talk about God’s plan for the Vocation of Marriage and Family Life.
Faith-Based Programs for Sponsor Couples
Please visit our Retreat page for information on live on-site as well as on-line options for marriage preparation retreats.