There is a moment in every marriage when the wine runs low. The initial joy, the effortless connection, the sense that love would always flow abundantly. Life has a way of emptying our glasses. Careers demand attention, children need care, and the daily responsibilities slowly dims the light that once burned so brightly?
But how do we as couples know if our wine is running low? Are their tools that we can use to gauge our wine levels? Are their skills we can develop to refill our wine glasses? The Skills for Sacramental Marriage Building Workshop is here to help.
On February 28th and March 1st, something sacred unfolded for the parishioners of Santa Rosa and Malabar cluster. Couples, some hopeful, some hesitant, all gathered at the Skills for Sacramental Marriage Building Workshop, hungry to explore the depths of their relationships.
The workshop brought together over thirty couples who participated in a series of engaging presentations, reflective discussion, and interactive activities designed to help them in their understanding of marriage as a sacrament. The weekend began with prayer and Lectio Divina, setting a reflective and welcoming tone for the sessions that followed. Couples were introduced to the concept of the Domestic Church, which emphasized the idea that family is the first place where faith is lived and nurtured. From the outset, facilitators emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where participants could share honestly and learn from one another.
One of the highlights of the workshop for many was the opportunity to hear marriage witnesses from experienced couples who shared their personal journeys of love, faith, and perseverance. These testimonies helped participants see how the sacrament of marriage unfolds in real life, through both joyful moments and challenges, with one participant stating that the “real life experiences shared really brought significant value to the presentations”. A sentiment echoed by many other participants.
A central focus of the workshop was helping couples develop clear and effective communication skills. Through presentations and guided exercises such as the Daily Check-In (DCI), couples learned practical techniques to listen more deeply, express themselves more clearly, and better understand their spouse’s perspective. Participants also had time to practice these skills together, reinforcing the idea that strong communication is one of the most important foundations of healthy marriage.
The workshop also explored the natural cycle of relationships, helping couples recognize that every marriage experience seasons of growth, tension, and renewal. One participant noted that the session “has truly opened my eyes as to the point I’m at in my marriage and what I need to do to bring back love and care in our relationship now understanding the natural cycle in our marriage.” The session emphasized that in understanding these cycles, all challenges encountered by couples are encouraged to be faced with a sense of patience and hope.
Another meaningful session focused on temperaments, allowing couples to reflect on their personality traits, innate needs, and emotional responses. Some participants expressed that this was perhaps the “most important” session, as it helped participants gain a deeper appreciation for their spouse’s differences and offered practical insight into how those differences can strengthen a relationship rather than create division.
Throughout the weekend, participants watched and reflected on videos from the series “God’s Plan for Love” which explored themes such as God’s desire for relationship with humanity, the original vision for marriage, and how Christ restores and strengthens marital love. These reflections sparked thoughtful discussions among couples as they navigated their hopes for their marriage and assessed how they can grow spiritually together.
The workshop also included lighter moments such as interactive icebreakers and after lunch refreshers which allowed couples to relax, laugh and reconnect with one another in a joyful environment.
The weekend concluded with a time for evaluation, reflection, and prayer as couples looked ahead to how they could continue nurturing their marriages beyond the workshop. Participants were reminded that building a strong marriage is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey supported by faith, community, and intentional effort.
“This workshop has had a positive impact on our marriage. It has encouraged us to have deeper conversation and self-reflection. It has helped us to start understanding each other’s needs, perspectives, and emotional triggers and are now committed to strengthening our relationship”. This can be you!
If you are married or discerning marriage (engaged or dating), this workshop is for you! Come explore the tools and skills for the sacrament of marriage with Archdiocesan Family Life Commission.
Our upcoming dates and hosts are as follows:
1. April 18th & 19th – Couples for Christ (Mt. St. Benedict)
2. July 4th, 14th & 21st – Pointe-A-Pierre
3. July 12th & August 30th – Tortuga
4. July 18th &19th – San Juan/Mt. Lambert
5. September 19th & 20th – Diego Martin
6. October 24th & 25th – Pt. Fortin
7. October 24th & 25th – Barataria
Interested persons can contact the Archdiocesan Family Life at 299-1047 or aflc.pc@catholictt.org. Persons can also register directly via our online form at bit.ly/SMB_Register.
You are not alone, let us refill our wine glasses together!
