Marriage Catechumenate Workshops for Clergy and Pastoral Leaders

June 4, 2026

The Archdiocese of Winnipeg, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface, recently welcomed clergy and pastoral leaders to two Marriage Catechumenate Workshops focused on renewing and strengthening the Church’s pastoral approach to marriage and family life.

Held on April 16 and April 18, 2026, the workshops invited participants to reflect on the Marriage Catechumenate as a lifelong journey of faith formation and accompaniment. Drawing inspiration from the catechumenate for Christian initiation, this vision encourages the Church to walk with couples and families before, during, and beyond marriage preparation.

The first workshop gathered clergy from across the Archdiocese for a day of formation and discussion on their unique pastoral role in supporting and implementing the Marriage Catechumenate within parish life. The second workshop welcomed parish sponsor couples, catechists, youth ministry leaders, parish pastoral council members, and other pastoral leaders involved in family and parish ministry.

Participants explored how parishes can foster a culture of vocation, strengthen family formation in the faith, and accompany couples with greater intentionality throughout the various stages of married life.

A highlight of both workshops was the keynote presentation by Julia M. Dezelski, North American Consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Her insights helped deepen participants’ understanding of the Marriage Catechumenate and its call to build strong, Christ-centred marriages through evangelization, catechesis, and pastoral accompaniment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended, organized, and contributed to these workshops. Together, we continue the important work of supporting marriages, strengthening families, and renewing our pastoral vision for the future of our local Church.

To watch the video recap from the Workshop for Pastoral Leaders, click here (Video produced by Jab Productions).

View photos from both workshops below.