Space for two additional couples is now available on the Marriage Council Clergy Couples Retreat. The event, which welcomes couples to pause, to unwind, and to grow will take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel from Thursday, 5th March, to Saturday, 7th March 2026.  

The cost of the break will be €100 (or sterling equivalent) per couple.  If you would like to book a place or seek more information, please contact Aisling Sheridan at aisling.sheridan@rcbcoi.org

The Church of Ireland Marriage Council is pleased to announce that its next Clergy Couples Retreat will take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel from Thursday, 5th March, to Saturday, 7th March 2026.  This will be a welcome opportunity to pause, to unwind, and to grow.

In the busyness of parish life, it is so easy to miss time for our own family relationships.  The Marriage Council is therefore inviting clergy and their spouses to a relaxing 48–hour break in the tranquil comfort of this Midlands venue in March next year.

It is our desire that this mini–break away will refresh you and allow you time for one another.  Therefore we want you to have as much space to enjoy the hotel and the vibrant town of Tullamore.

Whilst the time is yours, Dr Alan and Mrs Pauline Wilson will facilitate a few mini–sessions sharing stories and providing practical insights into navigating marriage, which we hope will help couples who attend.

The cost of the break will be €100 (or sterling equivalent) per couple.  If you would like to reserve a space or seek more information, please contact Aisling Sheridan at aisling.sheridan@rcbcoi.org

As part of its role in resourcing the Church, the Marriage Council wants to support clergy, staff and parishioners in a variety of ways that connect with marriage and relationships.  This is the first in a series of webinars to help in a simple and easy way.  The Council now plans to develop this series further and look at other issues such as ‘the empty nest’ and handling issues around divorce and separation.

To find out more about the work of the Marriage Council, please visit its pages on the Church of Ireland website or its Facebook page @towardsmarriageireland

Booking is via the following link: https://bit.ly/3UTROmD

We will be joined by trained counsellors who will help us consider:

– understanding the emotional impact that a death can have on loved ones

– what does the Bible say

– practical methods and resources to equip leaders and volunteers who are supporting people through these difficult times.

You’re very welcome to attend.

Shared on behalf of the Marriage Council

For more information on what we do, go to marriage.ireland.anglican.org

‘Marriages are ordinarily solemnised in a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland duly consecrated for public worship. Marriages shall not be solemnised at any place other than a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland duly consecrated for public worship unless the circumstances are exceptional and the prior approval of the relevant bishop has been obtained.’

Amended copies of the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland regulations are now available online at the following links:

• Marriage Regulations (NI) 2004

• Marriage Regulations (RI) 2007

Please use these new versions when copies of the regulations are requested.

Should you have any questions, please do contact Dr Catherine Smith (Synod Officer) at catherine.smith@rcbdub.org or Ms Aisling Sheridan (Approved Nominator, Marriage Office) at aisling.sheridan@rcbdub.org

Over the last year, all of us have experienced extended periods at home, and this has led to many positive stories of people helping one another, but isolation can be a strain on all of us.

For those married, none of us could have imagined the amount of time that this would give couples together, and with the limitations on social gatherings and the pattern of working from home, we have become used to being with those we live with a lot more than normal.

Managing to keep out of each other’s way when working from home, handling children’s home schooling, and getting used to new ways of doing things is not something that any of us have had a lot of practice at before. This can place pressure on any relationship.

The purpose of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council is to resource the Church as it supports marriage and family life. This is done through a number of ways:

• Support for couples considering marriage, including resources to clergy for marriage preparation;

• Providing support to married couples through marriage enrichment and signposting counselling services;

• Resourcing the wider Church through training, signposting, and materials;

• Marriage support to clergy and their spouses.

This season may bring the greatest strain to our marriages, and therefore as a Council in these difficult times, we want to help couples in as many ways as possible – through our website and Facebook posts. Should you wish to contact us or find out more resources, then have a look at our website at marriage.ireland.anglican.org

Here are a few helpful tips for you and your partner that we have found, which we hope you find useful.

Working from home

It’s very easy to get caught up in much longer hours at work when your office is now at the dining table. If you are both working at home, try to agree times when you can both stop and enjoy lunch together. Also agree times when work is over and the office becomes home again. Having defined working hours will help keep work time and home time separate. Our daily temptation is to measure the success of our days by what we accomplish. But, this time of life should remind us that bearing fruit is not the same as getting things done. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self–control.” May we make time for these things in the hectic nature of our work/life balance.

Make space for quality time together

While you may not be able to visit your favourite restaurant or cinema, there are countless ways you can spend quality time together, though it may mean getting a little more creative. You could have some fun cooking a new meal together from scratch – and if you’re not a great cook, it could be something to laugh about later.

Try walking or exercising together – keeping appropriate distances from others if you’re outside, of course. Quality time together will look different to what we’re used to, but it’s a great chance to make some awesome memories.

Listen to each other

Listening and chatting to each other, rather than staring at a TV screen or your mobile device, can be so refreshing for your relationship.  You may never have chatted as much before due to separate daily routines. Taking the time to listen to each other is so important – giving your partner your undivided attention gives value to their thoughts and feelings.

Pray for each other

God wants to be a part of your relationship, so don’t leave him out or make him the last thing you think about. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands cannot be easily broken, therefore include him. Whilst these times will be a strain on every relationship, prayer is a significant way to grow a stronger, more unified, and intimate marriage.

As a final and important issue, these periods of lockdown have unfortunately highlighted a greater number of incidents of domestic violence and abuse. This behaviour in any relationship is totally unacceptable. Remember you are not alone, and help is available through the 24–hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse helplines:

• Northern Ireland – 0808 802 1414

• Republic of Ireland – 1800 77 88 88

In the case of an emergency, contact the Police.

The Revd Jonny Campbell–Smyth is the Chair of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council.

This article was first published in the Church of Ireland Gazette’s March edition.  To find out how to subscribe to or advertise in the Gazette, just click here or contact the office – details available here.

1. Guidance for couples preparing to marry;

2. Marriage support and enrichment for couples and counselling services where they are required; and

3. Resourcing local ministers and others who are involved in the support of couples considering marriage or who are already married.

Our poster is a great way of promoting how we can support couples, or resource leaders in churches involved in marriage support. We’d love it if you would use this on your parish website or social media platforms.

Have a look at our website for more details of how we can help:

marriage.ireland.anglican.org

Here’s what you will find in this new–look section:

Preparing for marriage – This page will provide explanation on the Church of Ireland’s teaching on marriage, practical guidance on preparing for your wedding day, including marriage preparation courses, and differences in legislation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 

Enrichment and support for married life – This page provides contact details across Ireland of services available to couples needing support.

Resourcing the wider Church – This page provides practical resources and materials for local ministers and others who are involved in the support of couples considering marriage or who are already married. Each material has been recommended and proven extremely useful in a number of parishes across Ireland. 

In addition, regular updates can be found at the Marriage Council Facebook page: www.facebook.com/towardsmarriageireland

Should you wish to know more about the work of the Marriage Council, please contact Aisling Sheridan (email: Aisling.Sheridan@rcbdub.org)

Look out for the Marriage Council’s posters in parishes in the coming months