becoming a facilitator

Marriage Education Facilitation

Certificate in Marriage Education

Accredited by

Pontifical University, St Patrick's College Maynooth

Suitability to become a Facilitator with ACCORD

Currently  married in the Catholic Church or currently in a marriage recognised by

the Catholic Church.

Have the ability to convey a positive attitude to marriage.

Have an openness and commitment to working within a Catholic organisation.

Relate easily to people.

Are able to be part of a team.

Are sensitive, warm, caring and accepting.

Timescale and Time commitment

Selection:

Applicants who meet the criteria are invited to attend a one-day Selection Conference.  This conference provides ACCORD and the applicant with an opportunity to assess their suitability to each other.  Applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection process within 3 weeks.

Training:

Induction process, 9  workshops on ACCORD programme training - Presentation Skills and Facilitation Skills, including two residential weekends.

Evaluation:

Trainees will be evaluated by continuous assessment throughout the training process.

Cost of training:

Course fee €1900. The local Centre through which each applicant applies will be

responsible for the substantial costs relating to the Selection Conference, Induction and Training of each applicant.  A commitment of 3 years is required following Graduation and Training.

The role of the facilitator within the ACCORD organisation is not that of therapist or counsellor.  It is to assist couples who present themselves for marriage preparation courses and marriage enrichment courses.

ACCORD is an organisation which has built on the talent and wisdom of people attending marriage courses and those involved in communicating them.

The motivation to become a facilitator is very individual.  Some people volunteer in order to meet more interesting people, to add new skills, or simply to help other couples by sharing their own experiences.

ACCORD are looking for people who;

• Are good listeners and relate easily to people.
• Are able to work as part of a team.
• Are sensitive, warm, caring and accepting.
• Are interested in personal development.
• Are committed to working in a voluntary and paid capacity.
• Are married or have been married for at least five years.
• Have the ability to convey a positive attitude to marriage.
• Have an openness and commitment to working within a Catholic organisation.
• Currently married in the Catholic Church.

Consideration is given to people who do not meet the above criteria but who have special qualities. These people are then invited to attend a one-day selection conference.   Selection takes place in May/June every year, but if you are interested in becoming a facilitator please contact your local centre at any time.