Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have to do a Pre-Marriage course?

In order to marry in the Catholic Church, each couple must have undergone a sufficient period of preparation. The church’s duty is to protect the institution of Marriage as much as possible and it tries to do this through pre-marriage courses. “The church must therefore promote better and more intensive programmes of marriage preparation, in order to eliminate as far as possible the difficulties that many married couples find themselves in…” (Familiaris Consortio)

But will a one-day course be enough?

One day is seldom enough to help you understand all the aspects of married life. However it is hoped that the course will give you the basics of what you need to know in order to enjoy all that marriage has to offer.

If we want to learn more about ourselves or our marriage what can we do?

Avalon can work with each couple individually on various aspects of your relationship after the course has been completed. This can even be done in the comfort of your own home.

But lots of my friends have said that they did a pre-marriage course already and it felt like they had “heard it all before”.

Rest assured that you won’t have heard it all before on this course. With the most up-to-date research, educational models and information available anywhere, Avalon applies it’s specialist knowledge and training to give you a truly unique and special experience. You will not be disappointed.

I haven’t heard of Avalon before. What is it and is it acceptable to the Church?

Avalon Relationship Consultants is the trading name for David Kavanagh. David is a qualified Theologian with a background in Pastoral Ministry, trained specifically to help couples who want to marry. More importantly David is an experienced Family Therapist and relationship expert who works for 98 Fm and Maybefriends.com. He brings a new and fresh approach to the area of Pre-Marriage training and he works in conjunction with the Catholic Church to make sure that couples are ready for marriage.

So the Avalon Certificate will be acceptable to my parish priest?

Absolutely.

What time does the course start at and finish at?

Because so many couples travel from Cork, Galway and Limerick, we don't start until 11am and finish at 5pm. The centre is ten mins from Dundrum.

What kind of topics do you cover?

The course is designed to be more comprehensive than anything you have ever experienced before. The topics covered range from the Legalities of Marriage through to Family of Origin influences, from Spirituality in Marriage to fulfilling Sexual Relationships. Our course is unique in that we also look at the issue of Finance for Couples which no other course does.

Sounds like a lot is covered? I don’t think I will remember all that information.

You don’t have to. Before you leave you will receive a unique handbook with practical information and a summary of each of the workshops. This is specially designed to help you have a life-long, satisfying and fulfilling relationship together.

Most people go to Accord though don't they?

Yes where possible people attend Accord. However when you find that Accord is booked up then Avalon is designed to be there for you, especially if you are under pressure for time. David has met with the National Director of Accord and his course has been designed to be as similar to Accord's as possible to ensure that it is acceptable to your parish priest.

So what are the booking terms and conditions? Click here.

What if I have any other questions before the course?

Feel free to call us on 086-8989 086 or 01-498 22 42 and we will be happy to answer any and every query you might have.