What is FOCCUS?
FOCCUS is a premarital assessment, either done on paper or online, used with an trained coach to assist engaged couples in addressing challenge areas in their relationship. It stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study.
What if my fiancé and I don’t have any known challenges?
No couple has a challenge-free relationship. As you grow through the phases of life, you will face difficult times. FOCCUS assists a couple to prepare to meet those challenges.
Is FOCCUS a test?
There is no pass or fail, only insight for growth.
Who administers FOCCUS?
The FOCCUS premarital inventory can be administered through your local parish (either online or on paper) or Family Ministries can assign a coach to you.
Do we do FOCCUS alone, together, with other couples?
Each person takes the inventory alone. The follow up coaching session is done with the coach and the couple.
What if my future spouse lives out of state?
The inventory can be done online. The follow up coaching session can be done at a time when your fiancé is in town. Be sure to make special arrangements with your coach to meet at that specific time.
What does the FOCCUS inventory cost?
The cost for taking FOCCUS through your parish is $25. If your parish does not have a locally coordinated FOCCUS ministry, Family Ministries can coordinate FOCCUS for you. The cost is $105: $75 coach stipend, $25 scoring, $5 administrative fees.
Why is there a difference in prices?
The $25 fee covers the cost of the inventory and scoring, whether you take FOCCUS through your parish or Family Ministries. $75 of the fee covers the coach stipend; $5 for administrative fees.
Can I have a copy of questions?
No. Due to copyright restrictions we are not allowed to distribute the inventory.
Can I have a copy of report?
The report is sent to your coach for the purpose of preparing for the coaching session. It is a snapshot of where your relationship was at that time you took the inventory. Your discussions with each other since taking the inventory and your coaching session will advance you far beyond the status of the report. The report is shredded after the coaching session. However, you will receive a summary exercise after taking FOCCUS. It will help you to concretize your experience and set an action plan.
Where do I start with FOCCUS?
Start in the FOCCUS Premarital Inventory section of our website.
When I should take FOCCUS inventory?
Couples should take the FOCCUS inventory as early in engagement as possible. As quoted by the FOCCUS program administrator, “Pop the ring, sign up for FOCCUS.”
Why is it good to do FOCCUS early in the engagement?
After FOCCUS, the couple takes more ownership of their marriage preparation. They become more aware of their needs as a team. With FOCCUS as starting point, the couple begins to take more initiative in shaping their marriage preparation for themselves. |
