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Thursday, February 6, 2025
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Couples deepen marriage with Matt and Cameron Fradd

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Seb and Kath Dell’Orefice are leading 11 couples through The Marriage Course after participating in the program themselves in July. Photo: Supplied
Seb and Kath Dell’Orefice are leading 11 couples through The Marriage Course after participating in the program themselves in July. Photo: Supplied

Marrying sacramentally in the church after 12 years of civil marriage, Seb and Kath Dell’Orefice gained a true understanding of their marital responsibility after months of formation and spiritual direction.

This experience of an enriched vocation led them to take part in “The Marriage Course,” a program aimed at building healthy marital relationships, which was piloted at St Joseph’s Moorebank in July of 2022. They now run the seven-week program for their community.

Witnessing the fruits of “The Marriage Course” in her own life and in the marriages of couples who have participated in the program, Kath realised that investing time in protecting and strengthening marriages is critical.

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“Before our Catholic marriage, despite having been married previously and secularly married for 12 years, neither of us had any real understanding of marriage,” said Kath.

“Our relationship has changed so much and we are closer, more in love and stronger together than we have ever been.”

The Moorebank couple further deepened their marriage through ongoing formation by prominent Catholic voices like podcaster Matt Fradd, who will be touring Sydney from 27 January to 5 February 2025.

“The marriage itself is what we should focus on and investing in our marriages by learning from Catholic speakers such as Matt Fradd can provide so much guidance, that is grounded in Gospel values and Catholic teachings,” said Kath.

Matt Fradd answers questions during an evening for men in Syndey on 6 Decemeber. Photo: Alphonsus Fok
Matt Fradd answers questions during an evening for men in Syndey on 6 Decemeber. Photo: Alphonsus Fok

“We have learned so much in the last few years from speakers such as Matt Fradd about the real meaning of marriage and what our purposes are as husband and wife.

“Everything is better now that our marriage is centred on our relationship with God and built on Catholic principles.”

Held in collaboration with the Somascan Marriage Enrichment Ministry and the Life, Marriage and Family Team of the Archdiocese of Sydney’s Centre for Evangelisation, “The Marriage Course” has been actively forming couples since it began at St Joseph’s Moorebank in 2022.

Formation for the couples is centred around personal witness and testimony by experts in marriage support and married couples from all over the world.

“This program was a great catalyst for couples to invest in their marriages, and it provided an avenue for intentional renewal and enrichment of their marital covenant,” said Hazel Lim, Mission Manager for the Life, Marriage and Family Office at the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation.

“Since then, we have seen a growth in support from couples and families in the parish in their efforts to build Sacramental marriages and raise faithful families.

“This is a wonderful way for parents and families in the parish and the neighbouring communities to be further supported, encouraged and inspired in their strive for holiness.”

With close to 50 couples participating in “The Marriage Course” over the past three years, Kath is delighted that the Fradd’s upcoming presentation on Catholic parenting will be held in Holsworthy.

The Marriage Course coordinator sees it as an incredible privilege for those participants to have a chance to learn from internationally renowned Catholic speakers like Matt and Cameron at their own parish.

Eleven couples took part in the first session of The Marriage Course, which will unfold over seven sessions at St Joseph’s Parish in Moorebank. Photo: Mathew De Sousa
Eleven couples took part in the first session of The Marriage Course, which will unfold over seven sessions at St Joseph’s Parish in Moorebank. Photo: Mathew De Sousa

“We are so blessed to have this opportunity and we’re both so excited to be able to hear them speak about marriage,” said Kath.

“We are both so passionate about sharing the real meaning of Catholic marriage with engaged and married couples and pray that sharing the story of our own journey in marriage will help to enrich marriages and strengthen families.

“We really encourage as many couples as possible to attend The Marriage Course and the Parents Night Out with Matt and Cameron Fradd—we are positive that couples at all stages of their marriages will not only enjoy but truly benefit from the experience.”

The Parent’s Night Out with Matt and Cameron Fradd will be hosted by the Life, Marriage and Family Team at St Christopher’s Parish, Holsworthy on 5 February 2025.

Register for the event at https://www.trybooking.com/CXTXE.

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