Family life is filled with joys and challenges. The Church is here to support families through every season of life, offering guidance, prayer, and practical resources.
Celebrate@Home
CELEBRATE@Home provides free online resources supporting family faith formation. These can be used by families and groups in the home, parish or school.
Light of Truth
Inclusive Catechesis by Light of Truth provides a supportive community for parents and catechists with free online resources available.
Engaged encounter
The Engaged Encounter marriage preparation courses follow the “Guidelines for the Preparation of Couples for Marriage” as set down by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales.The courses are held over a weekend or over a series of online sessions. Couples receive a certificate of attendance which is normally required by the priest who is officiating at their wedding.
For more information, visit: Engaged Encounter - Marriage Preparation
A Scripture-based resource for couples from Two in One Flesh is a good start for a home-based activity. Engaged Encounter organises refresher weekends for couples. Sometimes, Verbum Dei organises marriage and family encounters, as well as Chemin Neuf with their Cana Retreats.
If you are in serious difficulties, we would strongly recommend marriage counselling. For specific problems, such as domestic abuse or mental health support, we recommend contacting one of these charities.
If you are in a situation where speaking will put you in danger, you can use the Silent Solutions service by dialing 999 then 55 to be put through to the police.
You may want to contact Cruse for skilled and confidential support.
Please contact the Restored Lives programme for Liverpool archdiocesan help and support.
All of the above organisations will provide a network of one sort of another. Teams of Our Lady especially focus on creating a supportive network with a characteristic spirituality. Alternatively, ask around and start your own (prayer and support) group. If you do, let us know!
All of the above organisations will provide some training and support to enable people to use their experience, gifts and skills in supporting other couples. The best thing may be to browse through the Alliance websites and find a group that best fits your sense of calling. And let us know if you start a different initiative to fill any missing gaps - we will be delighted to hear from you.
Marriage Care are currently recruiting for their 2 year certificate in relationships counselling for Spring 2022. This course is aimed at those who have no previous training in counselling and it will be delivered via a programme of face to face sessions and online training weekends.
In that case, please look at the theology section above and contact us so that we can discuss how to support you.
