But this past week I got the chance to sit in on the first night of a weekday marriage preparation seminar called God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, something that was launched here in Denver, and is done in Madison, Wisconsin as well (where I moved from). Besides being the wordiest marriage prep moniker out there, it’s in my opinion one of the best, if not the best marriage preparation supplement out there.

It’s a supplement to the usual life skills/reflection and the other aspects of marriage preparation, but it’s foundational and indispensable in the marriage prep process. It’s based on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, a contemporary and life-changing way of explaining life, vocation, love and sexuality that’s beautiful, difficult, engaging and freeing. It’s essentially a full day seminar (or done on two week nights or retreat format) with six talks explaining what the big deal about sacramental marriage is, and why the Church teaches what she teaches, using Theology of the Body (infused with other resources) as it applies to the vocation of marriage.

It’s not all talks, though. It’s interspersed with reflection time, breaks, and DVD’s of Christopher West giving the talks. Actually, the curriculum comes with West doing the entire day, so you could play the DVD’s for the whole day if you wanted to, though I wouldn’t recommend it. The best combination is to plan your own talks (using the curriculum as your guide), weaving in your own witness and experience. I recommend using West at points throughout the day because, though he’s not everyone’s favorite, he’s got mad gifts, and can explain TOB in an accessible way many, many people find engaging and ultimately, enlightening.

The bottom line is that most people view the Church’s teaching on marriage & sexuality as a long list of “no’s”, but it’s a love story, and invitation to love as God loves. I’ve lived my way, and I’ve lived God’s way of love and life, and I’ve found so much wholeness, healing, joy and (yes) humor in embracing the latter, and discovering Theology of the Body has just made it so much more profound.

My husband and I used to facilitate these days back in Madison, and next week, I get to jump back into things by giving an NFP talk. My inspiration is returning….

What about yours? My challenge for you: suggest alternate names for the GPFJFM program!

Any other God’s Plan Facilitators out there? How’s it going? Difficulties? Joys? Do share….