Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study

Living as partners of life and love in Christian marriage is both a blessing and a challenge. Because marriage unites two people with unique personalities and interests, as well as varied social and psychological experiences, FOCCUS is an aid for your marriage preparation. It can help you communicate openly about many things that are important to your relationship, including basic expectations, communication, problem-solving skills, attitudes on religion, sexuality, children, money and extended family. It is not a test or a way to predict the future. It is designed to help you target the topics you need and want to talk about as a couple as you prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage.

Special Circumstances Addressed by FOCCUS:
Interfaith Marriage: It is important to discuss differences in faith
traditions with each other and with the assisting priest, minister, rabbi,
etc. There is a section in the FOCCUS Inventory that explores some of
these areas.
Previous Marriage: Those remarrying within the Church (after receiving an annulment, or after the death of a spouse), especially when children are involved, will have additional areas to discuss. The FOCCUS Inventory explores key issues on second marriages. Additional attention from the parish priest may be required.
Cohabitation: Through the FOCCUS inventory, couples living together before marriage will have the opportunity to discuss how this can affect their preparation for a healthy, lasting, sacramental union.

Couples attending the archdiocesan REGIONAL MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE PREPARATION PROGRAMS take the FOCCUS Inventory. We suggest that you discuss the options for taking the FOCCUS Inventory, which are listed below, with the priest who is assisting in your marriage preparation.

FOCCUS can be administered by your parish priest or by his representative. The priest will send the inventory to the Family Life Office for scanning, and the results will be sent to the priest who will share them with you.
OR
The Family Life Office will administer FOCCUS as part of each Regional Marriage Preparation Program.

Contact Ann Hanincik, M.T.S.
Phone: 215-587-5639
famlife@adphila.org