FOCCUS

The Marriage & Family Life Office will host Facilitator Trainings in English (E) and Spanish (S) on the following dates:

FOCCUS — Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops notes that the majority of dioceses throughout the United States strongly encourage or require the use of premarital inventory as part of the marriage preparation process. In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and throughout Wisconsin, the inventory used most widely is called FOCCUS — Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study.

FOCCUS is an internationally used inventory for couples preparing for marriage. It is not a test, but is rather a tool to help couples learn more about themselves and the manner in which they relate to their partner. FOCCUS and other similar inventories, can be very useful for diagnosing areas of both strength and weakness in couple communication.

In many cases, the FOCCUS inventory is administered by a FOCCUS couple: a married couple who has been trained in how to administer and score the inventory and how to discuss possible areas of of concern. In other cases, a priest, deacon, or pastoral associate would administer the inventory.

Remember, a minimum of six months preparation is required for all marriages in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Therefore, it is best to schedule your FOCCUS inventory early in your marriage preparation – preferably prior to attending an Engaged Enrichment Conference.

For more information about FOCCUS, or the particular requirements of your parish, please contact your pastor, deacon, or pastoral associate.

To find out more about FOCCUS Inc., USA please visit their website: http://www.foccusinc.com/