Florida Catholic | Renew Your Marriage

Try a re‘new’ed marriage

If the ‘same old, same old’ is not working, the diocesan Department of Marriage and Family life has a number of programs to help ‘pump up’ relationships.

PEGGY DEKEYSER | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PENSACOLA — TALLAHASSEE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 01.11.08

PENSACOLA | Another new year. Another spate of self-improvement ideas and “how to keep your resolutions” stories appear in the media. Another round of usually disappointing results at becoming the better, brighter, thinner, richer, and smoke-, alcohol- and fat-free new you.

How about trying a new approach? How about trying a few vitamins for your marriage? How about a “cardio” exercise program that will pay truly lasting results?

Just in time for those looking for a way to “pump up” their relationship with their most significant other, the diocesan Department of Marriage and Family Life is offering a number of programs that focus on practical means to strengthen marriages, according to director Louise Ritz. The programs also offer answers to the commonly heard gripe of “he/she just doesn’t understand/communicate with me.”

For those entering into marriage, the Engaged Couples Communication Workshop, starting Jan. 12 at St. Ann in Gulf Breeze, promises to help couples iron out communication issues before they walk down the aisle. One particularly useful feature of the workshop is a segment on conflict resolution, which might come in very handy while planning that wedding. Sessions will be offered Saturdays Jan. 12, Feb. 2 and 23 and Friday, March 29. Couples attend only one session. Jane Witzman will facilitate.

Beginning Thursday, Jan. 17, a new round of the 14-session Third Option program starts at St. Joseph Parish in Pensacola in the Kirwan Room. Couples or individuals may participate in all or any of the sessions. The focus is on practical communication, skill-building and fostering respect between spouses.

Instead of dancing with the stars, dance (figuratively) with your husband or wife at the “Marriage Dance” Sunday, Jan. 27, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Warrington from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. This activity-based afternoon brings more light into couples’ spirituality and enhances communication skills.

Think your spouse is a mystery at times? Try “Unravelling the Mystery of Successful Marriage” Thursdays, Feb. 21 and 28, at Resurrection Parish in Destin from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jack Keller, Ph.D., is the facilitator.

World Marriage Day, celebrated each year on the second Sunday of February, offers another opportunity to affirm what is right and good about getting, being and staying married. Log onto http://wmd.wwme.org for ideas on how you and your sweetie might observe the day. It’s better for your health than all those Valentine candies, right?

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a more intense experience of connectedness and communication, sign up for the Marriage Encounter weekend Feb. 15-17 in Marianna.

Want more ideas? Check out the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Web site at www.foryourmarriage.org for a virtual health club filled with resources to make marriages stronger and happier (please see story, Page A1).

Now that your marriage is fit as a fiddle, come celebrate marriage with couples marking major anniversaries Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee and Sunday, March 9, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola. The annual Jubilee Anniversary Masses add a special new feature this year — couples married 50 and more years will bring framed photos from their wedding days to share with all who join in the reception following Mass at each location. Couples married 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 or more years can contact the Department of Marriage and Family Life for more information, and to register to receive recognition of their special anniversary.

For more information on any of these programs, call Ritz or Bill Michie in the Department of Marriage and Family Life at 850-435-3532 or e-mail pnsfamlife@ptdiocese.org.

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