Pastoral Outreach to Christian Marriage

Formation, Preparation, Celebration, and Continuing Education
Appendix A: Individual Diriment Impediments
Appendix B: Pastoral Aid to Enhance Dialogue with an Engaged Couple
Appendix C: Recommended Outline for Marriage Ministry Contacts
Appendix D: Marriage Preparation Programs
Appendix E: FOCCUS Premarital Inventory
Appendix F: Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Appendix G: Marriage and Family Resources
Appendix H: Anniversary Blessing of a Married Couple
Appendix I: Prayer of the Engaged
Appendix J: Prayers of the Faithful
Appendix K: Marriage Ministry Certification Program
Appendix L: Gaudium et Spes: Fostering the Nobility of Marriage and the Family (Excerpts)
Appendix M: Glossary of Terms
Appendix N: References
Appendix O: Statistical Data on Marriage
Appendix P: Helpful Quotes and Insights
Appendix Q: WMD Sample Prayer Services & Liturgies

Home In the Spirit of Cana Table of Contents Acknowledgements Preface Introduction Formation Preparation Celebration Continuing Education Conclusion Appendices Other Resources

Appendix E:  FOCCUS Premarital Inventory

Most couples marrying in the Archdiocese of Chicago take the FOCCUS inventory early in the engagement process as part of their marriage preparation. FOCCUS, an acronym for "Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study," is an internationally used instrument for marriage preparation. It is self-diagnostic and designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. It provides individualized couple feedback on where each partner stands in regard to topic areas important to marriage. FOCCUS was developed to reflect the values and ideals of marriage as sacred.

FOCCUS is recommended as part of marriage preparation in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Some parishes have staff and volunteers who are trained to facilitate FOCCUS.

Individuals and married couples who are interested in being a part of this ministry should contact Andrew Lyke at 312.912.9951 or by e-mail at FOCCUS@LykeToLyke.org. Facilitator training sessions are conducted frequently throughout the year. (Click here to register.)

Parish-based FOCCUS programs should FAX the completed FOCCUS inventories with a completed scoring form to the secure FOCCUS efax at 708.332.9503. The report will be sent by email to the parish coach or coordinator. The cost for scoring is $27.50 per couple. Submit your payment with your credit card or PayPal account. Or make the check payable to Lyke To Lyke Consultants and mail it to:

Lyke To Lyke Consultants
FOCCUS Scoring Service
P.O. Box 907
Matteson, IL 60443

For more information call 312.912.9951 or send an email to FOCCUS@LykeToLyke.org.

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