Brisbane’s Archdiocesan Ministries is leading a new initiative to unite marriage and relationship educators as part of the archdiocese’s Synod24 actions to support married couples in their vocation. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The Marriage Education and Enrichment Network was established to bridge gaps among organisations serving Brisbane Catholic communities and to ensure families receive holistic support throughout their lives.
Archdiocesan Ministries children and families director Chantale Wilson said the network grew from needs identified during the Synod24 process.
She said while many groups were already doing vital work, they often operated in isolation.
“The network was created to gather these providers together for relationship, connection, and shared mission,” Mrs Wilson said, saying the goal was to help providers feel “supported, visible, and connected”.
Attendance at the inaugural launch event confirmed the need, bringing together 36 participants representing 21 different providers.
The event was facilitated through “Conversations in the Spirit,” which was a synodal approach to communal reflection, allowing participants to explore how collaboration could strengthen their individual ministries.
One of the providers in the network is Centacare, which is Brisbane Archdiocese’s social service agency and a long-time provider of marriage, family and relationship services for the region.
Centacare family and relationship services senior practitioner Rebecca Davies said society had not yet “normalised” seeking relationship support in the same way it normalised dental check-ups or gym memberships.
Ms Davies said research showed couples often waited two to six years to seek help when problems arose.
“We want to position working on relationships at the beginning stage… not as something that says your relationship is wrong, but helping you notice what is right,” Ms Davies said.
Another provider in the network is SmartLoving, an organisation that has served Brisbane Catholics for nearly three decades.
Laura Cain, representing SmartLoving, emphasised that marriage was a “mission and a vocation” vital for building stable families and society.
She said engaged couples often started preparation too late, leaving little time to address “red flags” or discern their readiness.
There is also a pressing need for more “imperfect” married couples to serve as mentors, as many fear they are not “good enough” to accompany others.
The network arrives at a critical time for the institution of marriage as religious ceremonies now accounted for only about 17 per cent of Australian unions.
FULL STORY
New provider network to enrich Catholic marriages in Brisbane (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
