STRENGTHENING MARRIAGE THROUGH MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : Marriage life somehow becomes the one issue that is being neglected. Most married couples or family take marriage life for granted. They are unaware of the need to be renewed spiritually. The Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau 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 29th April 2014, 7 couples from the Family Life Ministry shared their experiences on marriage life. They shared on the different aspects of marriage life with the hope that the couples will realize their current relationship with their spouse and take the opportunity to strengthen the sense of understanding, accepting and forgiving one another. Participating couples are 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 on the original meaning of Holy Matrimony instituted by Christ Himself by Melvin
• The Sacrament of Marriage on the beautiful salvation that God offered 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 heart of all couples where most of this important values are being neglected.
• 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 showed that 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 journey.

Three couples stepped forth to share on the struggles and problems they encountered throughout their marriage journey. In moments of pain and hurt, they turn 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 honor 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 environment or circumstances faced by the couples in the family, 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 and it was beneficial to their marriage life. They were inspired by the honest sharing and input by the team members..The seminar ended at 4.00 pm.