Who can be a sponsor/facilitator couple?

If you are a couple who is living a truly Christian marriage, whose relationship is obviously life-giving to their family and community and would enjoy sharing their relationship with engaged couples, you can be a sponsor couple.

What is a facilitator? 

A facilitator is one who helps individuals to learn and to share ideas and experiences with others.  Facilitators also share of themselves as part of the learning process. 

Will I be teaching the program?

No.  You are guiding the program.  You are facilitators.  Your role is not to instruct, but to be present and welcoming to the engaged couple as they learn more about their relationship through the marriage preparation program.

What does a sponsor/facilitator couple do?

The sponsor couple meets one-on-one with the engaged couple in your home several times before the wedding to help them prepare for Christian marriage.  A facilitator’s guide, DVD, and engaged couples workbooks are supplied by the coordinator.

Do I need training?

No training is necessary, but the Archdiocese’s Office of Laity and Family Life does offer a training session once or twice a year for sponsor couples.  The program is easy to follow without training.  The Facilitators Guide has instructions and a timeline for each of the eight chapters in the program.

What program is used?

St. Clement uses Today and All the Days of Your Life.  This is the program published by the Office of Laity & Family Life of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

How much time is involved?

The program is broken up into four sessions.  Two chapters are normally covered each session.  Each session usually lasts 2 to 2 l/2 hours.  Advance preparation is required for meaningful meetings.  Sponsor and engaged couples work out a schedule for meetings. 

How am I assigned an engaged couple?

The Marriage Prep Coordinator will call you to check your availability to work with the engaged couple before the wedding.

How often do we sponsor an engaged couple?

Using a sponsor couple rotation system, you normally meet with one engaged couple a year. 

Do we have to talk about our marriage?

Sharing is a big part of the program.  You will have an opportunity to share a personal experience story for each subject.  The couples on the DVD’s share their marriage difficulties and joys.  If you have a personal story to share about that evening’s subject, it is always helpful.  You may not have a personal story each time. 

What subjects are discussed?

Sacrament of Matrimony, Family of Origin, Romance, Disillusionment and Joy, Sex and Sexuality, Communication with God and Each Other, Stewardship and Your Finances, Planning and Parenting of Children, I Promise to Love You and Honor You All the Days of My Life.

Who do we call if we’re interested in being a sponsor couple?

Call St. Clement’s Marriage Preparation Coordinators--Kathy and Jim McDonough—(314) 822-3871