Posts by Francine & Byron Pirola
Money Matters
Money is cited as one the most frequent causes of arguments among couples. This is because money is not simply notes and coins; it is the means by which we access a whole lot of different and important things, like security, sustenance, material goods, status, influence, protection, gratitude of others and self-esteem, to name a…
Read MoreHealing Emotional Injuries
If you have been emotionally injured in anyway, you can use this activity to process your experience. Full instructions are available on the PDF handout. Healing Process 1. Pray 2. Reflect Gratitude Strongest Emotion (L.I.F.E.) Your Desire 3. Watch the Forgiveness Film (Break Through) 4. Connect Unclutter Emotional Communion Forgive The Forgiveness Film (Break Through)
Read MoreWindows of the Soul
A useful framework for developing our Emotional Intelligence, The Johari Window, helps us visualise how we can expand our self-awareness and deepen our intimacy. Picture a four-paned window that represents you. Within the window is everything that is known and unknown about you. It includes factual information such as your age, sex, which school you…
Read MoreThe Wisdom of a Prenup??!
Recently, we’ve been reflecting on prenuptial agreements and we think there’s some merit to them. Gasp! Surely, they can’t be serious you think. Can they really be suggesting something that so conspicuously undermines the sacred meaning of Catholic marriage? Actually we are, but not the stereotypical kind of prenuptial agreement between a wealthy aging male…
Read MoreFive Ways To Help A Struggling Marriage
We’ve all been in that situation. A friend or relative confides in us that they are having some marriage trouble. We want to help but knowing what to do that is genuinely helpful is tricky. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. Use your best listening skills: give your full attention, validate the…
Read MoreConscious Recoupling
When Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin announced their intention to ‘consciously uncouple’ earlier in 2014, it was not their divorce that captured public attention, but the unusual phrasing. However, the real news that never makes the headlines is not who or how many couples ‘consciously uncouple’ or divorce, but how many don’t. Any couple who…
Read More24/7 Connected
Our young adult son is in a blue funk. He and his flatmates have been unable to get the internet connected to their new place for over 4 weeks. They’ve all maxed out their mobile phone plans and to hear them talk you would think it was a major offence against their human rights. We…
Read MoreBirth Control Methods & References
The ‘why’ of Natural Fertility Methods Promotes shared responsibility Draws a couple closer Heightens your sense of awe in lovemaking Allows for God’s involvement in your discernment The most effective and healthiest way to cooperate with each other and with God is to use a natural fertility method. There is no need to overwhelm a…
Read MoreThe Fine Print
It’s important to read the fine print before you sign on a dotted line and marriage in the Catholic Church is no different. Matrimony is more than just getting married in a church; in order to make a free and informed commitment on your wedding day, there are specific obligations of which you should be aware. THE FREEDOM TO MARRY…
Read MoreIn The Image of Christ and The Church
Revelation 19:6-8 The Wedding of the Lamb Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude… crying out,“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready;…
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