“From This Day Forward”��Marriage Preparation Course 2025-2026��WORKSHOP💘GOD💘LIFE💘MARRIAGE💘 � 💘FAMILY💘PRAYER💘TRINITY💘SEMINAR 10.1��INTRO OF BY BRIDGET�� FATHER GILLES BAGSHAW . ��SURPRENANT COORDINATOR
© 2006-2026 All rights reserved Fr. Gilles Surprenant,
Associate priest of Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montreal QC
WORKSHOP💘GOD💘LIFE💘MARRIAGE💘 � 💘FAMILY💘PRAYER💘TRINITY💘SEMINAR����
LINK TO THIS POWER POINT SCRIPT :
👉 👉 - -
READINESS FOR MARRIAGE��Friday evening you explored what it takes for getting married, in living married, and what motivates people to commit to marriage.��💘 We men and women were designed by God….�Why not consult the designer?������
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD���In the Sacrament of Matrimony, in living married and family life, Jesus invites us into his “divine life” he lives in the love of the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.��💘 God designed everyone - able - to accept this invitation.�������
To what is God inviting us?��Human life began long before recorded history.��Genesis: In the beginning, God invited us to friendship.��💘 God offered man and woman his friendship in a good life providing they avoid the pollution of evil.�������
What went wrong…?��Everywhere around us we can see that all is not well with the world, human life, marriage, or family, but….��💘 God revealed Himself to be our Father by sending his Son to become one of us, Jesus, son of Mary.�������
We want peace & love, but struggle.��We lost friendship and trust in God and in each other. Jesus offers to restore our friendship with God, one person at a time.��💘 Jesus: “I came that you may have life to the full.”�������
What is the value of Jesus’ word?���💘 John 15:13 “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus accepted to give his life as witness to the Father’s love for us. “Do I know anyone more deserving of my trust?”�������
How do we trust?��The first step is a simple decision.��💘 Wisdom 1:2 “The Lord God is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him.” So, then, ask yourself: “Am I willing to trust God, our Creator, as the Lord of my life?”�������
WITH GOD... WE ARE ALL BEGINNERS... ��WE LEARN WELL FROM EACH OTHER...��As you participate, share your experiences, and ask questions, you help us all learn and be enriched.������
�������If I don’t know God, where / how do I start?��If I know God / have experience of prayer, how do I advance?���Witnesses tell us God cares for us, our hopes & struggles…��God offers us serenity, confidence, and a peaceful spirit.��All we have to do is open ourselves in prayer.�������
Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 18:3���It is human to find it hard to trust in God….��God fixes broken trust one person at a time. ���Faith is simply a decision to trust in God.�
Spiritual exercise 1.0 – Lord of All Hopefulness�1. Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,�Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy,�Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,�Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
2. Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,�Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,�Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,�Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
3. Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,�Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,�Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,�Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
4. Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,�Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,�Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,�Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
�The Bible is God’s “sacred history” with his people.... ��People who begin trusting God become familiar with “the ways of the Lord”. �In time, like in any friendship, they become friends of God…. ��GOD STANDS AT THE DOOR & KNOCKS….��When we question, complain, or doubt God, we at least acknowledge that God is present….��We are relating to God as someone real…. ��Your thoughts or feelings about this? Any questions?
��Spiritual exercise 1.1 – GOD’S SACRED HISTORY WITH ME – �(This is a life-long project beginning today.)��What memories of God are buried inside you? God loved you before you were conceived. God “whispered” in your heart… ��God helped you, encouraged you, was with you…��OR��You prayed and waited and waited and…��1. Take paper or open a text on your device...��2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember…��3. List when God was with you or you questioned Him…��Any questions? (5 minutes)
�Q & A – 1 ���Your thoughts or feelings on this morning so far? Your questions?��� (4 minutes) �
Exploring the Universal Human Prayer Impulse�������� Ø Exhilarating “mountain top” experiences - - - breathing deeply…�� Ø Great life challenges - - - “pleading with God”…�� Ø Great regrets after “messing up” - - - “turning to God”…�� Ø Great sadness or fear - - - “praying to God”…�� Ø Great joy or hope - - - “feeling closer to God”…�
��Alternative Spiritual exercise #1.2 – A SILENT CONTEMPLATIVE WALK ALONE – i.e. no chatting….��Continue “God’s Sacred History with Me”…. ��Trust God is present. ��In the silence, chat with God about your memories…��Or ask God’s help remembering. ��Or tell Him how you suffered feeling Him absent. ��Express to God the “desire burning inside”…. ��Let God love you….� 7 minutes
��Alternative Spiritual exercise #1.3 – SILENT ADORATION ALONE – �– i.e. no chatting….��Continue “God’s Sacred History with Me”…. ��Trust God is present. ��In the silence, chat with God about your memories…��Or ask God’s help remembering. ��Or tell Him how you suffered feeling Him absent. ��Express to God the “desire burning inside”…. ��Let God love you….� 7 minutes
�Q & A – 2 ���Your thoughts or feelings on this morning so far? Your questions?��� (4 minutes) �
�� .� Exploring opportunities for prayer in daily life….��Jesus, his mother Mary, and her husband Joseph were Jews.��They turned to God all day with short, simple prayers: ���Rising – making fire – breakfast – going to work – �beginning work – noon meal – resuming work – going home – �evening meal – family prayer – bed time - - - ���JESUS: “Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6�
The Curé d’Ars in France 1786 – 1859 ���The Curé d’Ars to an old peasant: ��“What are you doing sitting for hours in the church?”��The peasant replied: ‘I look at him… he looks at me… we are happy together.’ ��That man did not need to break the silence of intimacy with words. ��This is an essential skill for your couple….���Anthony of Sourozh, Metropolitan. Living Prayer: The Pocket Library of Spiritual Wisdom (pp. 5-6). Darton, Longman & Todd LTD. Kindle Edition. �
Spiritual exercise #2.0 – Going a little further…. � �How has God touched your life?��OR ��Is it time now to open yourself to God? ��In your couple share your spiritual memories & feelings. ���You have 4 minutes together – enough time for each. ��Please come back in 4 minutes.�
Spiritual exercise #2.1 – � BUILD UNITY & AVOID DISHARMONY��� Taking a step to achieving HARMONY – as a Couple….���� What elements of faith in God do you have in common?�� How would you feel about praying together? ��� This is for you as a couple... just a start. You have 2 minutes.... ��
��Spiritual exercise #2.2 – St. Teresa of Avila� “Lord, I can’t pray properly. � I’m weak; I’m human; � I’m fragile. I’m easily distracted, � taken into thoughts of myself and the world. � But you, Lord, lead me past that. � Help me to pray truly as I am. ��Help me to focus on the Father, the Son, and You, Holy Spirit, �so that my soul may be opened, �and I can receive the grace that is there for everyone in prayer. Amen.”��Prayer published by C. Alan Ames inspired by St. Teresa of Avila�“The Warning: Testimonies and Prophecies of the Illumination of Conscience.” By Christine Watkins, Queen of Peace Media, 2020. Sacramento CA
HEALTH BREAK ��� (5 minutes) ���
Q & A – 3 ���Opening ourselves to God opens up many emotions and thoughts, and raises many questions. Your questions?���(3 minutes)��
Spiritual exercise #3.0 – Saturday Week 2 Midday Prayer��– Exploring the Liturgy of the Hours (Breviary)��https://divineoffice.org/ https://www.ibreviary.org/en/ ��God, come to my assistance. ��— ALL: Lord, make haste to help me.��Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:�� — ALL: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Alleluia. Not in Lent)�
Antiphon 1 - Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. Psalm 119:81-88 XI (Caph)���MEN : I yearn for your saving help;�I hope in your word.�My eyes yearn to see your promise.�When will you console me?��WOMEN : Though parched and exhausted with waiting�I have not forgotten your commands.�How long must your servant suffer?�When will you judge my foes?��
�MEN : For me the proud have dug pitfalls,�against your law.�Your commands are all true; then help me�when lies oppress me.��WOMEN : They almost made an end of me on earth�but I kept your precepts.�Because of your love give me life�and I will do your will.��MEN : Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;�WOMEN : as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.�
Psalm-prayer (read by the leader)�When evil seems to triumph, Lord, and our hope begins to fail, give us courage and perseverance in doing your will.�� ALL: Antiphon - Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.��Antiphon 2 - Lord, you are my hope, a strong citadel against my enemies.�Psalm 61 Prayer of an exile�The prayer of the just man who places his hope in the things of heaven (Saint Hilary).��MEN : O God, hear my cry!�Listen to my prayer!�From the end of the earth, I call:�my heart is faint.�
WOMEN : On the rock too high for me to reach set me on high, �O you who have been my refuge, my tower against the foe.��Let me dwell in your tent for ever�and hide in the shelter of your wings.�For you, O God, hear my prayer,�grant me the heritage of those who fear (love) you.��MEN : May you lengthen the life of the king:�may his years cover many generations.�May he sit ever enthroned before God:�bid love and truth be his protection.�So, I will always praise your name�and day after day fulfill my vows.��
��WOMEN : Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.���Psalm-prayer (read by the leader)�Lord Jesus, love and truth of the Father, you came to earth to relieve the pain of our exile; you took our weakness as your own. Uphold us when our hearts grow faint until we stand with you before God and praise your name.��ALL: Lord, you are my hope, a strong citadel against my enemies.��Antiphon 3 - O Lord, guard my life from the menace of the foe.�Psalm 64 Prayer for help against enemies�This psalm commemorates most particularly our Lord’s passion (Saint Augustine).�
����WOMEN : Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,�guard my life from dread of the foe.�Hide me from the band of the wicked,�from the throng of those who do evil.��MEN : They sharpen their tongues like swords;�they aim bitter words like arrows�to shoot at the innocent from ambush,�shooting suddenly and recklessly.��WOMEN : They scheme their evil course;�they conspire to lay secret snares.�They say: “Who will see us?�Who can search out our crimes?”�
��MEN : He will search who searches the mind�and knows the depth of the heart.� God has shot them with his arrow�and dealt them sudden wounds.�Their own tongue has brought them to ruin�and all who see them mock.��WOMEN : Then will all men fear;�they will tell what God has done.�They will understand God’s deeds.�The just will rejoice in the Lord�and fly to him for refuge.�All the upright hearts will glory.��
��MEN : Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:�as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.��Psalm-prayer (read by the leader)��Father, you gave your Son victory over the men who plotted evil against him; when he cried to you in his agony, you delivered him from fear of his enemies. May those who suffer with him in this life find refuge and success in you.��ALL: O Lord, guard my life from the menace of the foe. ����
READING Deuteronomy 8:5b-6 by a volunteer please….��READER : A MAN or A WOMAN : ��“The Lord, your God, disciplines you even as a man disciplines his son. Therefore, keep the commandments of the Lord, your God, by walking in his ways and fearing (loving) him.”���Sacred Silence – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.��
��The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever.�ALL: The decrees of the Lord are true, and all of them just.���CONCLUDING PRAYER (read by the leader) ��Lord, fill us with the resplendent light of your eternal love. May we love you above all things, and our brothers for your sake. Grant this through Christ our Lord. — Amen.��ACCLAMATION ��Let us praise the Lord.�ALL: And give him thanks.�
�Q & A – 4 ���Any questions about praying with Scripture / the Psalms?��� (4 minutes) �
�� More about Praying “on our own”���Ø Prayers we have learned by heart, that is, from memory��Ø Prayers we have learned from church�����������
�� Praying “on our own”���������Ø Prayers we have taken from the Bible��Ø Prayers we have prayed spontaneously, �in the moment, from our own heart, mind, �and soul� ��
� Spiritual exercise #4.0 – “The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary” �� ORIGINS & DEVELOPMENT���The Rosary developed slowly during the first millennium and it was given its current form by Saint Dominic, a 13th c contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi.��In the Rosary we “accompany” Mother Mary and contemplate with her the “light shining on the face of Jesus”… and Jesus enlightens us.�� There are 4 sets of 5 Mysteries each:�� The Joyful Mysteries The Sorrowful Mysteries �� The Luminous Mysteries The Glorious Mysteries ���
As we contemplate each mystery of the Rosary, we are asking our Mother Mary to join us in praying to God our Father, to Jesus, and to the Holy Spirit.���Offer to God your intentions and hopes for your life of marriage and family. ���What would you like God to do for you, for your future marriage and family? ���
� Prayer exercise #4.0 – � “The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary” ��� � Mysteries of Joy�� � 1st Joyful Mystery – � The Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady � (Luke 1,26-38) �� “Jesus, who wanted to take on our � human condition”����
� Prayer exercise #4.0 – � “The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary” ���� Mysteries of Joy��� 3rd Joyful Mystery – � The Nativity (birth) of Jesus in Bethlehem � (Luke 2,1-20) �� Jesus, who found no room � in the home of men…����
� Prayer exercise #4.0 – � “The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary” ���� Mysteries of Joy��� 4th Joyful Mystery – � The Presentation of the Child Jesus � in the Temple � (Luke 2,22-38 �� Jesus, who enters the Temple � to purify it…���
�Q & A – 5 ���Any questions about praying with the Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary?�� (4 minutes) �
�God is mysterious… independent from our feelings….�� The “big change or difference” = having a personal, mysterious, but ordinary experience of God as real��Experiencing God as loving me attracts me to love God back… with gratitude, in prayer, and to love others.�� Jesus reveals his Father to us and gives us Holy Spirit.��� PRAYER IS ALL ABOUT DOING IT... Actually praying….� �
Another opportunity to “Pray alone”…� � Spiritual exercise #5.0 – “Lectio Divina” �� – reading prayerfully the Word of God alone….��� On the printed sheet: �� Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24 or on your phone…��� You have 5 minutes � �
�� Spiritual exercise #6.0 – silent meditation – ��Now we will have a brief experience of silence... �Also called “resting in God”.���Prayer is always mysterious because God is mysterious. ���Never judge your prayer. It is a “visit with God”.���Don't listen to the thought that you did poorly... that's one of the devil‘s traps to discourage us. Don't be fooled. ��
Preparing for silent meditation – “resting in God”.���Ø Sit comfortably, hands resting on your knees, back & head straight & be still… adjust your body as needed so you can relax…��Ø Close your eyes. To stay in the silence, let the Name of Jesus Christ echo inside… “hearing” “Jesus” as you breathe in and “Christ” as you breathe out….��Ø Let the holy Name “Jesus Christ” bring you to rest in God….��� We'll have 7 minutes of silence. Beginning now….�
�Q & A – 6 ��Highlights? Touching moments? �� Intriguing impressions? Thoughts?���Questions? (3 minutes)� �
🡺 Segment IV. Exploring “Praying as a couple” ��Husband & wife praying together… it always begins with my SELF…. ��Taking good care of my life… I can better care for you….��Our BODY needs food, water, exercise, & rest…��Our MIND needs truth, goodness, & beauty…��Our PSYCHE – Our HEART – needs to love and be loved…��Our SOUL… is where God loves us & gives us life…��God brings “light” to any darkness in our conscience…�and frees up our ability to say “No!” to trouble / evil / temptations…. �
�Testimony of Carlo and Bridget��A couple’s experience of praying together… God is there….��� A Couple caring for one another….�� A Couple praying for each other….���Husband & wife connected to each other =��communion with God... = HOLY TIME��
�� �� Spiritual exercise #7.0 – Praying as a Couple – �� One starts – You pray out loud for your fiancé. �� Then switch – the other prays for you out loud.�� Pray out of who each of you is. �� Remember the words your fiancé has been sharing.�� Use his/her own words to pray for him/her. �� God is with you. �� Any questions? You have 4 minutes for your couple prayer. �
��The importance of SILENCE�� God is always there with us when we pray.��God gently knocks on the door of our heart…��by day and by night… ��wherever we may be…. ��God is always waiting for us in the silence….��
Sunday Mass = our membership��Jesus is a “marriage” between God and humanity, because He is the divine Son of God and also the human son of Mary.��When husband and wife become one in Marriage intimacy, each time they are renewing their Covenant of Matrimony.��At every Holy Mass, especially on Sunday, Jesus RENEWS his New Covenant of Love with us, the Baptized Assembly of his Disciples.��At Mass, we put into God’s hands our regrets and faults… �God loves and forgives us, restores our freedom to love. ��We let go of anger, bitterness, and misery. We give glory to �God for his wonderful Creation and all that He does for us.�
🡺 Wrapping it up – Prayer at the heart of our lives��� Debriefing this workshop / seminar on Prayer�� What was this like for you? ��� Highlights? Touching moments? ��� Intriguing impressions? Thoughts? Suggestions?�� (3 minutes)�
RESOLUTION��👉 Use the TOOL of RESOLUTION to reach a goal…��Consider what you have experienced today….��What forms of prayer do you want to put into practice?��👉 Identify a good goal that you want… ��👉 Make a RESOLUTION to take steps…��👉 Keep a DIARY or a JOURNAL…��👉 LOG your progress… weekly… monthly… share together…�
WORKSHOP💘GOD💘LIFE💘MARRIAGE💘 � 💘FAMILY💘PRAYER💘TRINITY💘SEMINAR����
👉 PRAYER RESOURCES 👉 "BEGINNERS' PAGE”’
"& 👉 CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN TOOLS PAGE
👉 👉HOME - HTTPS://GILLESSURPRENANT.BLOGSPOT.COM/
Contact Father Gilles fathergilles@gmail.com
Workshop / Seminar: God, Life, Marriage, Family, Prayer���REMEMBER….�� 1. Prayer may seem to be a chore requiring our time, commitment, and effort, BUT it is God, the Holy Spirit, who actually “prays in us” and does the “heavy lifting”…. Our part is to “BE THERE”, docile, open like a sail ready to catch the wind….���2. Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”��
ALPHA COURSE ��Explore life, faith and meaning together.��������https://alphacanada.org/try-alpha/#find-an-alpha���
💘 WORKSHOP / SEMINAR ON � PRAYER 💘 �� “The Trinity” �� by �� Andrei Rublev�� Russian icon 56” x 45”� 1411 A.D.
��Spiritual exercise #8.0 – The Unity Prayer� My adorable Jesus…, May our feet journey together. �May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. �May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one.�May our ears listen to the silence together.�May our glances profoundly penetrate each other.�May our lips pray together… �to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen.�� Jesus said, “This prayer is an instrument in your hands. � By collaborating with Me, Satan will be blinded by it; � and because of his blindness, souls will not be led into sin.” �� (Heard by Elizabeth Szanto Kindelmann OCDS May 4, 1962)
“From This Day Forward”��Marriage Preparation Course 2025-2026��WORKSHOP💘GOD💘LIFE💘MARRIAGE💘 � 💘FAMILY💘PRAYER💘TRINITY💘SEMINAR 10.1���
© 2006-2026 All rights reserved Fr. Gilles Surprenant,
Associate priest of Madonna House Apostolate & Poustinik, Montreal QC