Celebrating 40 Years of FOCCUS® Marriage Ministries. Learn More

Faith-Inspired. Research-Tested.
Ministry-Proven.

Explore the studies, data, and resources that make FOCCUS® the most trusted Catholic marriage preparation and enrichment system in the world.

Evidence That Strengthens Marriages

Where Theology and Science Work Together.

Since its founding in 1985, FOCCUS® has united Catholic theology with psychological and social research to create practical, effective tools for marriage formation and enrichment.

Our inventories are continually refined through ongoing studies, surveys, and global feedback, ensuring every edition remains faithful, relevant, and reliable.

Validated through The Gallup Organization and SRI Research Center

Over 1 million couples assessed worldwide

93% of participants report improved communication

High reliability (Cronbach Alpha .921) across inventories

Implemented in 30+ countries and 8,000+ parishes

Peer-Reviewed and Globally Recognized.

Independent evaluations confirm FOCCUS® as a statistically reliable and effective tool for relationship education and faith-based formation.

Featured Summary: Evidence of Reliability and Validity (2014)

  • Conducted by The Gallup Organization
  • Cronbach Alpha: 0.921
  • 93% of facilitators and couples reported the inventory improved marriage preparation outcomes.

Featured Summary: Predicting Marital Success (Purdue University)

  • 5-year longitudinal study
  • Found FOCCUS® highly predictive of long-term marital satisfaction.

Featured Summary: UK Department of Education Evaluation (2014)

  • FOCCUS® shown to yield £11.50 in societal benefit for every £1 invested.
  • Confirmed positive effects on couple stability and communication.

Research Collaboration Opportunities

Partner With FOCCUS® in Advancing Marriage Research.

FOCCUS® actively collaborates with Catholic universities, diocesan offices, and professional researchers to study the evolving dynamics of faith, communication, and marriage formation.

If your institution is conducting research on marriage preparation, pastoral ministry, or relationship outcomes, we invite you to join our FOCCUS® International Research Network.

Opportunities Include:

  • Data sharing and comparative studies
  • Graduate-level research partnerships
  • Program evaluations and outcome measurement
  • Theological reflection and pastoral integration studies

FOCCUS® Research Library:
Evidence for Every Ministry

Browse or download peer-reviewed studies, reports, and validation data that demonstrate the impact of FOCCUS® worldwide.

Evidence of Reliability and Validity for FOCCUS Fourth Edition

Marriage Preparation is a Key to a Successful Marriage

Psychometric Qualities of the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory

Ministry Resources for Facilitators

Everything You Need to Serve Couples with Confidence.

FOCCUS® supports facilitators and ministry leaders with ready-to-use tools for training, session planning, and ongoing formation.

Resources are available for download or purchase through the Facilitator Portal.

Featured Resources:

  • FOCCUS® Facilitator Manual
  • FOCCUS® Couple Report Sample
  • REFOCCUS® Discussion Guides
  • Training Slide Decks and Case Studies
  • Prayer & Reflection Worksheets
  • Promotional Templates for Parishes (flyers, bulletin inserts, and social media graphics)

Stay Current. Stay Connected.

Marriage ministry evolves and FOCCUS® evolves with it.

Stay updated on new inventories, training opportunities, and published findings through our quarterly FOCCUS® Research & Ministry Newsletter.


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“We have seen FOCCUS® change lives one conversation, one couple, one marriage at a time.”

Fr. Michael Grewe

Vocations Director

Faith and Scholarship in Harmony

Because Truth and Love Belong Together.

At FOCCUS®, we believe marriage is both sacred and scientific — a divine design that flourishes when nurtured by faith and informed by knowledge.

Our mission is to ensure every couple, facilitator, and parish has the best possible foundation for holy, happy, and healthy relationships.

Support our mission. Click here to Get involved.

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Stay Connected & Receive Marriage Insights


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact