12 ENGAGED COUPLES ATTEND THE PRE-MARRIAGE COURSE

By Eva Siruno

SANDAKAN- The English Pre-Marriage Course is one of the programs coordinated by St Mary's Cathedral Parish Family Life Ministry (PFLM). PFLM conducted a two day pre-marriage course for 12 couples on 20th - 21st April 2013 at the Catechetical Room. 

Cesar Siruno, the Pre-Marriage Course Coordinator, said that the aim of the course is to help  couples the opportunity to access, discuss and find solutions to any potential problems / issues they may encounter before their marriage. It helps them to realize and deal with differences in their expectations, family backgrounds, and personality traits. It prepares them for Catholic marriage and the vocation of family life and love.

Ignoring these issues in their marriage could result in serious marital problems. Therefore, the purpose of this pre-marriage course is to ensure that their future spouses enter into a covenant - with their eyes and hearts wide open. 

Suzy and Eva taking charge of registration

There were 9 topics given, namely; MARRIAGE AS A SACRAMENT, COMMUNICATION IN MARRIAGE, SEX IN MARRIAGE, FINANCE MANAGEMENT IN MARRIAGE, THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS, SPIRITUAL CATHOLIC FAMILY, CATHOLIC MARRIAGE LITURGY, HEREDITARY DISEASE AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE AND BILLING’S OVULATION METHOD (BOM).

The first topic facilitated by Fr.Anthony Mikat was on Marriage as a Sacrament. Whereas 6 topics were given by lay members. For the last two topics, they were given by a medical doctor and two nurses from the Duchess of Kent Hospital.

Apparently, these 12 couples came from as far as Sarawak, Pulau Pinang and Tawau. They ranged from self-employed to navy, nurses and doctors.

It was also a big challenge to the coordinator when one of the couples whose partner was abroad to do an online interactive approach in guiding them. Thanks to the internet, we made it possible for them. Cheers for a 'Blessed and Christ-centered future!'