Enrichment programme for married couples

Apr 10, 2014

TAWAU (Herald Malaysia): Married life somehow becomes the one issue that is neglected. Most married couples take marriage for granted. They are unaware of the need to be renewed spiritually. The Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish organized a one-day session on ‘marriage enrichment’ for 14 married couples at St Stephen Tass Ranggu, one of the outstation chapels of Holy Trinity Parish.

On Saturday March 29, seven couples from the Family Life Ministry shared the different aspects of marriage with the hope that the couples will strengthen, understand, accept and forgive one another. Participating couples were expected to experience some form of spiritual renewal. This would help them grow in faith and strengthen their marriage life.

Topics covered included the following:
-- God’s plan in the gift of marriage and the original meaning of Holy Matrimony instituted by Christ Himself by Melvin
-- The Sacrament of Marriage on salvation that God offers to the married couple through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony by Linda
--The responsibility of husband and wife on the ‘forgotten’ obligation as parents and also as husband and wife by Jocelyn
--The need of Communication in married life — a ‘sudden touch’ to the hearts of all couples.
-- The sacredness of sex in marriage — a ‘sensitive’ presentation on the deep meaning of the intimate relationship between husband and wife by Mario Domingo
-- Prayer of forgiveness in the reconciliation process. Couples are really in need of renewal in their spiritual life. This session led couples to personal reflection on their attitude on forgiveness and acceptance, the lack of which is a contributing factor to misunderstanding in their marriage.

Three couples shared on the struggles and problems they encountered throughout their marriage. In moments of pain and hurt, they turned their eyes to God and the vow they professed before the Lord during their marriage – ‘I promise to be true to her / him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her / him and honour her / him all the days of my life.’

In winding up the day’s session, Julita presented a brief summary on the wonders of marriage. Marriage is a gift and no matter what circumstances are faced by the couples, they must first put their hope in God, the giver of all spiritual needs.

Married couples are invited to put their faith in Christ, the author of marriage. They are to journey together to be the witness of the loving Father to other couples, just as Christ has loved the Church.

Participants shared that they were privileged to attend the session which was beneficial to their married life. They were inspired by the honest sharing and input by the team members. The seminar ended at 4.00 pm.