Teaching Marriage Enrichment in different ways
There are three different ways to teach the Discovering Our Deepest Desire program: the 12-session option, 7-session option, and extended weekend option.
The 12-session Discovering Our Deepest Desire option is the most optimal. It covers the entirety of the program’s information. This longer duration is meant to address the areas of marital difficulty, as well as, help couples develop a pattern of spending time together every week. Finally, our helpful guide gives instructors a breakdown of how much time to spend on each topic over the 12 sessions.
The 7-session option focuses on the seven key habits of a thriving marriage. This program option, also known as “Building a Eucharistic Marriage,” teaches participants how to develop better relationships with Christ and their spouse. In addition, this 7-session program covers a majority of the Catholic marriage enrichment information in a shorter period of time.
The Discovering Our Deepest Desire program can also be presented over an extended weekend. During this option, participants meet over a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and learn critical habits for a healthy marriage. After the weekend, couples will be able to decide for themselves which tools from the program to utilize.
Becoming an instructor
There are two different ways to instruct the Discovering Our Deepest Desire program in a church or group setting. The first is as an Official Instructor. An Official DODD Instructor has attended a two or three day training seminar. During this seminar, participants learn how to best teach the program to others and answer questions that may arise. All instructors receive a manual which guides them through the Catholic marriage enrichment content.
A second option is to become a Workshop Facilitator. Then you will guide the class members through the pre-recorded DVD videos. Facilitators are still responsible for reviewing the class content from the manual prior to the sessions, just like instructors.
If you have an interest in learning the DODD curriculum, we are happy to discuss with you which teaching option might be best.
Bringing Discovering Our Deepest Desire to my church
In order to bring the program to your church, it is vital to first have support from your church pastor or other leaders. Talk to your pastor to see what marriage enrichment groups or activities are in place.
Ask your leadership if they would be interested in bringing the program to your church and could preach about the importance of marriage to your congregation.
Next, recruit a team which can help you get the program off the ground. This team will be responsible for inviting couples into the classes and marketing the program effectively. Finally, you will want to have several couples trained in the DODD curriculum so they can facilitate the program at your church. These basic steps will help get you started, but we are always willing to answer your individual questions in order to make the program successful.
Meet our Network of Certified Instructors
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Greg & Stephanie
PROGRAM CREATOR
SERVING THE USA
Greg Schutte, MSW, LISW-S is the author of the Discovering Our Deepest Desire program. He has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for over 29 years, and they have seven children together. He has worked as a therapist in different fields of counseling for almost three decades. Greg is the Director of Marriage Works! Ohio.
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Enrique & Heidi
SERVING DAYTON, OH
CERTIFIED MASTER TRAINER
SPEAKING SPANISH AND ENGLISH
Enrique and Heidi are dedicated marriage enrichment instructors who share a deep passion for helping couples grow in love, faith, and unity. Through their warm and relatable approach, Enrique and Heidi create a welcoming space where couples can learn to communicate more deeply, navigate challenges, and build lasting, Christ-centered marriages.
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Mayra & Felipe
CERTIFIED MASTER TRAINER
SPEAKING SPANISH AND ENGLISH
Mayra and Felipe are a devoted couple committed to sharing God’s message with couples and families in the parish of Cristo Rey in Florence, KY. Blessed with two children, they embrace their calling to lead by example, living a life rooted in Catholic values and dedicated to being a witness of love, unity, and faith in action.
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Ted & Theresa
SERVING BENTONVILLE, AR
CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
SPEAKING ENGLISH
Married for 41 years,Ted & Theresa are dedicated marriage enrichment instructors with a passion for helping couples build strong, faith-filled relationships. Proud parents of four and grandparents to seven, they bring decades of personal and professional experience to their ministry. They have served their local parish faithfully for many years and have taught at all levels of education. Their deep commitment to family life, education, and spiritual growth makes them trusted mentors and inspiring examples of lasting love.