we did pre-cana at our parish here in DC and we loved it. we opted to do it through them and not the archdiocese b/c their program is the one where it is all day saturday, you are there with a hundred other couples and people just talk at you.
our group was 10 couples total, with a priest assigned to our group and a newly married couple (they have been married for 2 1/2 years) and an older married couple (married for 44 years). we met ever thursday for 5 weeks, for 2 1/2 hours each time. we had a workbook/binder, and while we didn't learn anything new about ourselves, it made us talk more and in-depth about things we have skirted around the edges.
we had a wonderful experience and i would really recommend to anyone that if you can, find a parish based program so you aren't lectured at for 8 hours straight.
allisonk
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Member since
Re: divorce..
We went to our Rabbi, and I have to tell you that it really opened up our eyes...A LOT! I told my FH that I would love to go to some kind of marriage therapist. We both think that its a great idea for many reasons. One to make sure you never take each other for granted. Communication is the key to all relationships...no matter how its done.
ratherbealeper
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Member since
Re: divorce..
Posted by MrsB2BE
My FH and I are long distance right now so we are completing a book called Saving your Marriage before it starts and we plan to have Pre marital counseling - Post Marriage when we are together.
My father does pre marital counseling and all of his couples appreciate it because it opens up doors that they weren't even thinking about
I got that book from my FMIL for christmas and nearly LOST it... what the..!! But then I read it and I highly recommend it to ANYONE in any sort of relationship. Its pretty basic but it is excellent and you will find yourself reading parts outloud to your partner
ArmyOfBabies
Posted:
Member since
Re: divorce..
My Pastor's wife offered a voluntary meeting with her to take a 'test' that gets scored and it highlights your strengths as a couple and what areas we should work on. We get the results back on the 5th. I'm very excited!
nycerika318
Posted:
Member since
Re: divorce..
I am Jewish and we are receiving counseling from the rabbi who is marrying us, meeting with her about 5x before our wedding. I think it is definitely important to talk about expectations and finances.
znycgirl
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Member since
Re: divorce..
I think it's a good idea. My priest does that for us. We also lived together for a while & both have similar ideals (we want to maintain a family together & are williing to make scarifices).
From being in relationships that haven't worked: I think (and hope) this one will.
Nov2007bride
Posted:
Member since
Re: divorce..
Posted by charisma
FH & I are in pre-marital counseling and it has been such an eye opener..I would recommend this to every couple
I agree! We're in the process right now and we really enjoy it. Our church recommends 8-10 sessions. We've learned new ways to communicate better. It gave us the chance to also understand each other's personality better from the survey/tests we took. I recommend it to everyone too b/c what you will learn will be so helpful and strengthen your marriage.
Colette
Posted:
Member since
Re: divorce..
What a great thread. If you analyze the numbers that make up the 50+% divorce rate, the number one issue people split up over is perenially: MONEY And the amount of money you have is irrelevant. Its about having the same 'philosophy' about the role it plays in your life together. Similar priorities, compromising, goal setting & sharing, and all that stuff... We've lived together for 5 years and I've tried to use our wedding planning as an opportunity to cement our financial philosophy... it hasn't always been easy, but so far we haven't had any major disagreements on what to spend where so that's good I think!
Years ago I promised him we'd NEVER STOP TALKING to each other, so I have to live up to that when life throws me/us a curveball!!
Here's a little toast to all the nearlyweds and newlyweds!!
