“Pope Francis had a particular concern for the newly married. He recognised that as a Church we have tended to focus on preparation for marriage and then, after the wedding, have more or less left couples to fend for themselves” Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Tony Percy said recently.
Bishop Percy’s comments came in light of a survey being conducted during September whereby Catholic couples in their first 10 years of marriage are invited to contribute their valuable insights into their experience of early married life.
Funded by the Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, and managed by the Parish and Marriage Resource Centre, the research is being conducted by the Christian Research Association and is approved by the Christian Research Association Ethics Committee.
It is in response to concerns raised in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) that couples in the early years of marriage receive appropriate accompaniment.
“We know it’s a time of great challenge for married couples but in order to provide better support, we need to hear from the people living it, so we’re funding (this) professional survey,” Bishop Percy said.
Project manager, Jessica George, said it was hoped 1000 respondents could be reached over September to achieve the best results.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the early years of marriage are considered high risk, with the median duration of marriage to separation in Australia at eight to nine years, and marriage to divorce at 12 to 13 years (ABS, 2024, Marriages and divorces Australia).
Despite being at the highest risk of marriage breakdown, this cohort is currently underserved.
The two-part survey is designed to be completed individually, not as a couple. Responses are also sought from couples who have separated or divorced.
The first part explores marriage experiences, while the second part explores beliefs, understanding and behaviours in more depth.
All answers are anonymous and confidential, and participants are asked to answer as honestly as possible.
The information gathered will form a solid evidence base for appropriate pastoral responses and the development of resources for this vital stage of married life.
The final analysis will be conducted before the end of the year with a comprehensive research report to follow.
The report is expected to be made available for people working with the newly married, to help them understanding the needs, challenges and joys of marriage experiences.
Couples married in the last decade where at least one spouse is Catholic are asked to contribute their valuable insights to this research.
The survey plus associated information can be accessed at https://thepmrc.org/survey
