God-centered diocesan marriage prep spurs virtual couples’ program

A state-of-the-art marriage prep program with God as its center is engaging couples in the Diocese of Metuchen. “God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage,” based upon Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body,” aims to provide couples a more complete understanding of God’s plan for marriage and the gift of human sexuality.

“God’s Plan” is an informational webinar that, according to its website, “provides a full catechesis of the Church’s teaching, in an uplifting manner that resonates within the human heart.” Begun virtually during the pandemic, it has continued in the same format to enable access to a wide range of speakers and put participants more at ease when asking hard questions. Couples are still required to complete an in-person Pre-Cana type marriage preparation at the parish level.

Cristina D’Averso-Collins, diocesan director of the Office of Family Life, said that there is an understanding that everyone comes from a wide range of backgrounds and each person is in a different place in his or her faith journey. The program, which utilizes some material from the “God’s Plan for Love” book by Ascension Press, she explained, starts off with questions and discussions about the existence of God and his desire to have a personal relationship with us because everything hinges upon those questions.

“The goal is to get everyone thinking and reflecting seriously on what they are really doing in receiving the Sacrament of Marriage and how this differs from purely civil marriage,” D’Averso-Collins explained. “Most of the feedback is very encouraging with couples reporting that they genuinely desire the Sacrament as opposed to the alternative. Even if they do not understand all of the theological particulars, they generally desire Christ to be a part of their union, and that is wonderful.”

Throughout the program, participating couples will hear from a doctor, a nurse, a Catholic therapist, a fertility care educator and speakers from the Long Island Gianna Center. Various topics are covered, ranging from Natural Family Planning to Fertility Awareness along with communication through the lens of Theology of the Body, “in a way that is appealing and medically-sound,” stated D’Averso-Collins.

The couples also watch two videos on the Formed.org website from the Beloved series. Following the videos, they are asked to assess where they are in terms of making Christ the center of their lives and where they believe there is room for improvement.

One couple who completed the program, Kristie and Jeff Kuczynski, Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, offered very positive feedback, including a suggestion that led to a new program.

“I think what was truly unique about the ‘God’s Plan for Marriage’ session was the human element of it,” Kristie shared. “When it comes to the chaos and tedious efforts of planning a wedding, it’s easy to forget the greater purpose of being married in the Catholic Church. We were reminded through this course that Marriage is a Sacrament, and [it] further instilled our desire to commit ourselves in this holy way, with hopes of growing closer in faith together as a married couple.”

“The methods of Natural Family Planning were useful in starting our own family with our now seven-month-old daughter, and it was interesting to learn how the method is not only supported by the Church, but also backed by science,” Kristie said.

Another key feature of the program, the website states, is that it is “designed to facilitate self-awareness and insight, and to help couples develop important relational skills.” Through their witness the Kuczynskis testify to this teaching.

“Additionally, we enjoyed the guest speaker, a psychologist, who discussed matters like how to manage stress in marriage, and communication skills that we will continue to use in our lives,” Kristie said.

D’Averso-Collins recalled, “After our God’s Plan session, Kristie asked if there were more opportunities to learn about the faith,” noting it was during COVID and the question became a suggestion.

“We would form a virtual group for couples,” she said. “We started off going through a book with Scripture passages for couples and have done various series.  We studied JPII’s ‘Love and Responsibility’ and, most recently, discussed ‘The Chosen’ TV series, episode by episode as a group.  This past summer, we prayed a Rosary for couples and families. While we wait for the next season of ‘The Chosen,’ we are doing Lectio Divina for couples starting on Sept. 18, and meeting every other Monday at 7 p.m.”

Couples interested in joining the group may contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at [email protected].