AOD Marriage Coaching Ministry
by David Grobbel
Marriage Support Team Leader
Most of us have heard of or have received some form of formal coaching as a way to build upon strengths to enhance performance or achieve a desired goal – life coach, career coach, relationship coach, leadership coach, happiness coach, … the list goes on. So why not marriage coaching to enhance your relationship as a couple, whether as a marriage refresher or to work through some rough spots in the marriage relationship?
This is what the Archdiocese of Detroit Marriage Support Office had in mind when it developed the Marriage Coaching Ministry for couples. Since its inception two years ago, the Marriage Coaching program has assisted dozens of couples to arrive at a happier and more spiritual place in their Catholic marriage.
What is Marriage Coaching?
Marriage Coaching is a couple to couple mentoring program designed to invite couples to live out more fully God’s plan for their marriage. The coaching couple comes alongside a couple in their marriage and offers them the support, practical tools and guidance to promote a greater sense of closeness and unity in their relationship. It is intended to take the couple to a deeper understanding of their sacrament and commitment in their marriage and guide them on their spiritual journey as a couple.
The team of coaching couples are made up of seasoned married couples who feel called and gifted to give back and assist other couples in their Catholic marriage journey. They have received extensive training and ongoing formation to minister as a coaching couple. The coaching couple is not meant to be a crutch or referee. Marriage Coaching is not counseling or therapy. Referrals are given if other care is indicated.
Is Marriage Coaching right for your marriage?
If you are looking for a private, personalized, couple to couple and solidly Catholic resource to enhance your marriage relationship, then the Archdiocesan-sponsored Marriage Coaching program may be right for you.
Couples who have benefitted from the Marriage Coaching program have ranged from those seeking a refresher for their marriage, to couples experiencing varying degrees of struggles, stagnation, or problems in their marriage. The coaching couples are versed to work with young marrieds to empty nesters and elderly couples. The only requirement is that both spouses desire to enhance their relationship and strengthen their marriage covenant.
How does the Marriage Coaching program work?
After making arrangements to meet either in-person or via remote technology, the coaching couple mentors and guides the couple through seven sessions, while tailoring the sessions and process according to each couple’s needs. The emphasis is on getting to know the couple personally and meeting them where they are at in their desire to enhance their relationship.
The program is strictly confidential, no cost and is structured along these seven main coaching sessions:
- Relationship building and family of origin factors
- God's plan for marriage and the importance of forgiveness
- Priorities in marriage and praying together as a couple
- How to love and serve each other
- Open and healthy communication
- Sexuality in marriage
- Spiritual relevance and growth in marriage
How do we find out more or get started with the Marriage Coaching program?
You can learn more about the program at the Archdiocesan website www.aod.org/marriagecoaching and this information brochure. Couples are invited to ask questions or request to get started with the program by contacting the Marriage Support Office at 313-237-4680 or familyministry@aod.org. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
What couples have to say about their Marriage Coaching experience
“The Marriage Coaching was very personalized and the discussions we had were incredibly helpful. Understanding all that God has planned for our marriage was amazing. We felt that everything we covered was immensely helpful.”
“Our Coaching Couple was VERY helpful for both of us. I would highly encourage other couples to go through this experience. We appreciated the Coaching Couple sharing their personal experience.”
“Our Coaching Couple was excellent! We enjoyed our time together and they provided us with the tools that we can use throughout our marriage. We found it very helpful.”
“We thought it was a great experience. It strengthened our marriage and gave us tools to use in the future. Our Coaching Couple was great and very easy to talk to and non-judgmental. They were perfect for this ministry.”
