“The art of accompanying couples” provides the basic knowledge and skills needed by leading couples commencing their ministry with engaged couples preparing for a Christian marriage. This course introduces those new to this ministry to the art of creating the necessary group dynamics, accompanying individual couples, and keeping up to date with information and methodologies in this particular field. This course addresses these needs by modelling the learning outcomes in the methodology of the course itself.
The intended learning outcomes:
By the end of this course the students will be able to:
- facilitate a group of young couples preparing for Christian marriage
- accompany on a basic spiritual and emotional level young engaged couples preparing for a Christian marriage.
- couples who are being introduced to the ministry of accompanying couples towards the sacrament of marriage;
- other couples who are already accompanying couples towards marriage as a form of ongoing formation. (commonly known as koppji mexxejja)
Target Audience Age: 19-65+
The course is delivered on Fridays between 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Throughout the course, the participants will be mentored by experienced Cana Couple Leaders (koppja mexxejja) Mr Chris and Ms Rosanne Triganza. Through useful tips and experiences, the couple can help participants with any queries they might have and to better understand their future role as a Cana Couple Leader (koppja mexxejja).
| Date | Session | Lecturers |
|---|---|---|
| 5th May | Session 1: Group Dynamics | Mr Joseph Pellicano |
| 12th May | Session 2: Skills for Accompanying Individuals | Rev. Prof Paul Galea |
| 19th May | Session 3: Growing Deeper in the Spiritual Dimension | Mr Nicholas & Ms Mary Baldacchino |
| 26th May | Session 4: Exploring Available Resources Part 1: Family Planning and Sexuality | Ms Christine Galea |
| 2nd June | Session 5: Exploring Available Resources Part 2: Issues with moral theology related to the family | Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja |
| 8th & 9th June | Session 6: Assessment Presentation by the Participating Couples | Fr Charles Attard and Fr Aayrton Muscat |
Leading Couple Shadowing Experience
After following the above course, the participants will have the opportunity to shadow an experienced couple during an actual Cana course. This will give the participants the chance to observe what being a couple leader (koppja mexxejja) entails.
This course is held on Fridays from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Dates
| Session | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | Fridays 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th May 2023 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Presentation Session | Thursday 8th & Fridays 9th June 2023 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
Leading Couple Shadowing Experience
After following the above course, the participants will have the opportunity to shadow an experienced couple during an actual Cana course. Dates and locations for this arrangement will be discussed individually with the applicants.
Assessment: short presentation during the last course session.
Certification: Certificate of Achievement
*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, a student must; attend all the contact hours, complete the leading couple shadowing experience and pass successfully the assessment/s.
Teaching Institutions: Cana Movement together with Pastoral Formation Institute.
Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute
Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.