Best Practices Workshop draws parish leaders from across the diocese
On Friday, July 11, parish leaders from across the Diocese of Toledo gathered at St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg for a day of formation and fellowship centered on one vital mission: strengthening Catholic marriages before they begin.
This Best Practices Training Session for Engaged Couples Workshops was designed for parish staff, deacons, priests, and key volunteers who accompany engaged couples on the path to the Sacrament of Matrimony. Participants came from a wide range of parishes including St. John XXIII, Delphos, Miller City, St. Joan of Arc, St. Jerome in Walbridge, and many more.
Led by Katie Englefield of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Center for the New Evangelization, the training offered practical tools and spiritual insights to help leaders more effectively facilitate engaged couples workshops—regardless of the specific marriage prep model their parish uses.
Topics covered included:
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Key elements of Catholic marriage preparation
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How to create a welcoming, engaging atmosphere
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Leading discussions on faith, communication, and lifelong commitment
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Tools and resources to support couples beyond the workshop
“It was a very successful event with lots of great feedback!” said Alice Jacobs, Parish Life Coordinator for Youth & Family Life. “We had parish staff and key volunteers who work with engaged couples, as well as many deacons and some priests. Parishes from all over the diocese were represented.”
This event was part of an internal training effort to equip those who serve engaged couples in parishes, with the goal of ensuring consistency, excellence, and personal witness in marriage preparation across the diocese.
Posted July 17, 2025 at 9:39 am