January 16, 2003

Strengthening Marriages Workshop Set for February 1

Marriage in today’s society involves tasks that range from managing a budget to managing your temper. How can clergy and others in the community work with couples to help them create successful and lasting marriages? What tools and resources are available for strengthening marriages? Those topics will be discussed at a seminar on strengthening marriage in families and communities.

The seminar, "Married and Loving It! A Leader Training Workshop," will feature Sean Brotherson, extension family science specialist with NDSU. The seminar will be held in Mandan at the Spirit of Life Church from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2003. The seminar is sponsored by the North Dakota State University Extension Service, the Office of Family Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck, and Spirit of Life Church in Mandan.

"Marriage is one of life’s most important commitments, and helping individuals and couples strengthen and enrich their marriage relationships is an increasing concern around the nation," says Brotherson. "This seminar will assist couples, counselors, clergy, social workers and any other community members who are interested in working to strengthen their marriage. It is intended to train leaders and facilitators for strengthening marriages in their community by discussing current research regarding marriage, reviewing resources and various curricula available to foster marriage enrichment programs, and learning about the Married and Loving It! educational curriculum on marriage relationships."

The training is encouraged for couples, counselors, clergy, social workers, and any other community members who are interested in strengthening marriages. "We really see a need to transfer research findings and resources to strengthen marriages to those at the community level who work with couples or want to promote healthy family relationships," Brotherson says.

Interested persons can receive more information or register for the seminar by calling Kathleen Schmaltz at the Region VII Parenting Resource Center at (701)-667-3342 or by email at parentrc@ndsuext.nodak.edu. Cost of the seminar is $15.00/person or $25.00/couple. The seminar will be held at Spirit of Life Church, 801 1st St. SE, Mandan..

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Source: Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143, sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu