To Know, Love and Serve

Any committed couple or individual with a desire to support marital growth can facilitate a group. No prior experience is required—resources and training are available to help you get started.

There are several effective strategies:

• The program can be offered at the diocesan level, with leaders for parish-level groups identified from among diocesan participants.

• The program can be offered at a parish-level with the pastor and leaders from existing ministries identifying and inviting people to facilitate the group. Parishes can also make announcements after Masses, in their bulletin, and on social media to invite people who may be interested.

• Parish organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League, are encouraged to purchase and distribute copies of the book and workbook, making it easier for potential facilitators to see how easy it is to facilitate, thus encouraging them to step forward.

• Anytime a group is run, invite participants to discern whether they feel called to facilitate future groups.

• If there is one couple who is the lead facilitator, they could lead the first meeting and then invite other couples to lead subsequent meetings so that facilitation is shared among all the couples.

The authors offer direct and ongoing support to anyone interested in starting the program. The workbook includes an easy to use and comprehensive, step-by-step guide designed to help facilitators run groups smoothly and confidently. Please contact the authors at info@knowloveserve.info you would like to schedule a training with the authors.

The program can be adapted to a variety of schedules: weekly, biweekly, or condensed into a weekend retreat. This flexibility allows groups to choose the format that best suits their needs.

Groups can meet in parish halls, private homes, or any comfortable meeting space. In private homes, couples can make the sessions a special occasion—such as a date night, potluck meal, wine and cheese gathering, or any format that encourages growth in faith and friendship. The program is suitable for both large and small groups, as well as retreat settings.

Yes, the program can be facilitated online. The authors offer training and support to ensure a smooth and engaging virtual experience.

To facilitate a smooth online experience, consider the following recommendations:

• For smaller groups, participants should keep their devices unmuted to encourage natural interactions. During sections intended for couples only (such as the Activity section, Resolution, and Closing Prayer), couples are advised to mute their devices to maintain privacy.

• Group prayers should be led by one designated person.

• For larger groups, participants are encouraged to keep devices muted to reduce background noise. Breakout groups can be used for small group discussions, during which couples may unmute their devices to interact more naturally.

The program addresses key aspects of marital fulfilment, including communication, listening, problem-solving, roles and expectations, spirituality, openness to life, parenting, finances, and planning for the future. Topics such as gratitude, forgiveness, family of origin, in-laws, covenant, and sacrament are also woven throughout the program. Each session provides discussion prompts, activities, faith-based reflections, and practical tools for deepening love and understanding.

Participants report increased marital satisfaction, improved communication, deeper spiritual connection, and stronger relationships with other couples. The program also fosters mentorship, allowing couples at different stages of marriage to learn from and support one another.