Good Christchurch representation at the national Catholic Marriage educators’ conference
On the weekend of 20th – 22nd May, 23 enthusiastic parishioners involved in marriage ministry from Christchurch made their way to Auckland for the biennial training weekend entitled ‘The Art of Marriage: Crafting Strong Marriages and Families for Life’.
This treasured weekend began with Cardinal John Dew providing a reflection on the most recent document from Pope Francis; Amoris Laetitia – The Joy of Love. Cardinal John not only participated in the Synod but was one of 10 Bishops who wrote up the final Synod document to present to Pope Francis. This meant Cardinal John was able to provide some unique insight into the Synod, Pope Francis and this important document that is such a great resource for all married couples to reflect on.
Excellent input was provided by experienced presenters over the weekend with topics covered such as forgiveness and reconciliation, how to present effectively as a couple, insights into the Theology of the Body, unpacking the Sacrament of Marriage and styles of healthy communication.
The weekend nourished participants with time for each couple to spend time together, prayer time, a Taize Mass for Saturday morning, networking with others from throughout the country and a moving closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Pat Dunn. Christchurch Diocese was again well represented at the conference and this bodes well for the next conference which will be held here in two years’ time.
On the weekend of 20th – 22nd May, 23 enthusiastic parishioners involved in marriage ministry from Christchurch made their way to Auckland for the biennial training weekend entitled ‘The Art of Marriage: Crafting Strong Marriages and Families for Life’.
This treasured weekend began with Cardinal John Dew providing a reflection on the most recent document from Pope Francis; Amoris Laetitia – The Joy of Love. Cardinal John not only participated in the Synod but was one of 10 Bishops who wrote up the final Synod document to present to Pope Francis. This meant Cardinal John was able to provide some unique insight into the Synod, Pope Francis and this important document that is such a great resource for all married couples to reflect on.
Excellent input was provided by experienced presenters over the weekend with topics covered such as forgiveness and reconciliation, how to present effectively as a couple, insights into the Theology of the Body, unpacking the Sacrament of Marriage and styles of healthy communication.
The weekend nourished participants with time for each couple to spend time together, prayer time, a Taize Mass for Saturday morning, networking with others from throughout the country and a moving closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Pat Dunn. Christchurch Diocese was again well represented at the conference and this bodes well for the next conference which will be held here in two years’ time.
