Ready to Lead? Become a FOCCUS® Trainer for Your Ministry!
What Is the Trainer Formation Program?
The Trainer Formation Program is FOCCUS®’s newest initiative for dioceses and large parishes ready to expand their marriage preparation outreach.
It provides formation, certification, and official authorization for designated leaders to become local FOCCUS® Trainers, capable of certifying new facilitators using FOCCUS resources.
This model allows marriage ministries to flourish without dependence on national scheduling — while keeping every Trainer spiritually and pedagogically aligned with FOCCUS®’s mission and standards.
Key Objectives:
- Build diocesan capacity for marriage preparation
- Form leaders in the FOCCUS® pedagogy and theology
- Ensure fidelity to Catholic teaching and FOCCUS® research standards
- Expand access to formation in underserved regions
Program Structure:
A Hybrid Approach to Lasting Formation
The program combines online learning, live mentoring, and practical application for a
formation experience that is both flexible and deeply personal.
Phase 1 – Formation Foundations (Online & Zoom):
Participants engage in live, instructor-led Zoom sessions with FOCCUS® Master Trainers covering methodology, theology, and best practices for adult learning and facilitation.
Phase 2 – Practicum Experience:
Participants co-lead or observe actual facilitator trainings with feedback from FOCCUS mentors.
Phase 3 – Certification & Launch:
Upon completion, dioceses/parishes receive authorization to host and certify FOCCUS® Facilitators under ongoing FOCCUS oversight.
Certification Includes:
- Trainer Certificate & License
- Full Trainer Resource Kit
- Access to the FOCCUS® Trainer Portal
- Listing in the FOCCUS Certified Trainer Directory
Multiply Your Ministry — Sustainably.
By forming your own local Trainers, you create a self-sustaining marriage preparation
ecosystem that serves more couples and deepens community relationships.
Benefits Include:
- Local flexibility for scheduling and delivery
- Cost efficiency for large dioceses or multi-parish systems
- Strengthened lay and clergy collaboration
- Consistent quality through FOCCUS® resources and oversight
“We trained our first diocesan team through FOCCUS, and now every engaged couple in our region has access to a certified facilitator.”
Launching December 2025:
Limited Cohort Enrollment
The inaugural Trainer Formation cohort will open in December 2025, with limited spots available to ensure individualized attention and mentorship.
Requirements:
- Current certified FOCCUS® Facilitator
- Active diocesan or parish marriage ministry involvement
- Commitment to uphold FOCCUS®’s mission and theological standards
Timeline Snapshot:
- Application Opens: November 15, 2025
- Orientation Webinar: December 10, 2025
- Program Start: January 2026
Through the Trainer Formation Program, your diocese or parish will:
- Build sustainable local leadership for marriage preparation
- Train and certify Facilitators locally with FOCCUS® curriculum
- Maintain Catholic fidelity and consistent quality with FOCCUS®
This program is designed for diocesan and parish leaders who are current certified FOCCUS® Facilitators.
Contact Sheila Simpson for Details
Submit this form and we’ll email cohort details, pricing, and next steps.
Supported by FOCCUS® Master Trainers.
Every Trainer Formation participant remains connected to the FOCCUS® community through ongoing updates, continuing education, and renewal opportunities.
Your success strengthens the mission of FOCCUS® worldwide — helping couples grow in love and faith for generations to come.
Support our mission. Click here to Get involved.
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