Guidelines

The guidelines for the ministry have evolved over the period of more than thirty years. Their sole purpose is to support the programs. The development has included input from the Marriage Enrichment community (i.e., those working with the programs).  This has helped ensure that a broad base of experience and ideas are included in the process. Most importantly, it is our belief that the Holy Spirit has worked through the people of God in guiding the development of the ministry and the guidelines.

Guidelines Documentation

The ministry policies, guidelines, and procedures are described in:

• Ministry book
• Program Guidelines (Leadership and Sponsorship) book
• Informational Video:  "The Marriage Enrichment Weekend Program"
• Ministry Website:   www.tmewpi.org.

Presentation Guidelines are in Program Books

• Youth Dating and Healthy Relationships
• Engaged-Couple Enrichment
• Marriage Enrichment Weekend
• Married-Couple Retreat
• Married-Couple Support Groups
• Marriage Renewal and Education
• Participant’s Journal and Reflections
• Prayer Rituals for Marriage Enrichment

Program Changes and Issues Resolution

The Program must continue to grow - “it is good but it can always be better.”  This growth must be orderly, unified, and most importantly, be guided by the Holy Spirit.  When significant changes are being made to the Program, input is obtained from the Marriage Enrichment community.  This helps ensure participation via a broad base of experience.  All changes must be aimed toward preserving the ministry and promoting unity-of-purpose throughout the Program.

The responsibility for improvements and changes in the Program resides with the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.  The Board also has responsibility for resolving issues and problems at the Program level and for enforcing regulations.

Many ideas for improvement in the Program will naturally be generated at the parish/congregation level.  These ideas and suggestions as well as issues or problems should be submitted to the Family Life Office in writing in order to be considered.

Some items, such as interpretation and implementation of guidelines, will be handled directly by the Board.  Other issues may be referred to the Regional Advisory Council, Regional Coordinating Group, Parish/Congregation Steering Committees, and/or the Program Assembly for general discussion by a broader base of involved people.  The Advisory Council, Coordinating Groups, Steering Committees, and/or Program Assembly should make recommendations to the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe where appropriate.  In all cases, the Board will make the final decision.

It is the responsibility of the ministry sponsors and leaders to stay updated on changes in guidelines.