For all couples registered for the Marriage Preparaton Course and the Marriage Coure, there will be a Dessert Party at St. Thomas' in the Auditorium on April 18, 2012 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.  This evening involves dessrt, a DVD titled "What Makes a Marriage Work?" with Nicky and Sila Lee and a chance to hear from some couples who have previously completed the course.  The Marriage Preparation Course begins the next week, April 25, 2012 and will run for 5 weeks.  Each session will be held in the auditorum at St. Thomas' and will run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.  The cost of this course is $130.00 per couple (Includes the cost of meals and manuals). 

The Marriage Preparation Course is a five-session course set in a laid-back and fun environment. You will be served coffee, tea and dessert in a romantic setting while listening to practical talks that are informative and fun, presented in a DVD format by Nicky and Sila Lee. The next course will be starting in the spring of 2012. Call Elaine Young at 753-3527 or email: elaineyoung(at)alphacanada.org to register.

There is never any group work and you will never be asked to share anything about your relationship with anyone other than your partner.

Session Topics
1. Communication. This session helps couples see how important effective communication is for a strong marriage and how communication is affected by personality, family background and circumstances. Couples look at what it means to talk about their feelings and they practise listening to each other.

2. Commitment. Commitment lies at the heart of the marriage covenant and is reflected in the marriage service vows. In this session couples consider the meaning of these vows and then look at how to live out this commitment through making quality time for each other on a regular basis and separating appropriately from their parents.

3. Resolving Conflict. Conflict can either destroy a marriage or, if handled well, strengthen it. Couples consider how to handle anger, appreciate their differences, look for solutions together and practice forgiveness. Organising finances, a primary cause of conflict in marriage is also addressed.

4. Keeping Love Alive. This session looks at how love must be deliberately nurtured in a marriage through couples nurturing their friendship, discovering how the other feels loved and developing their sexual relationship.

5. Shared Goals and Values. While appreciating their differences, couples need to agree on their goals and core values. In this session couples have the opportunity to discuss their priorities for the future, the roles they expect to fulfil and the building of spiritual togetherness.