Accord Derry Catholic Marriage Care Service celebrates 50 years of Service to Marriages, Relationships and Family

To mark this Jubilee Celebration, on Monday 30th September 2024 Bishop Donal McKeown celebrated Mass in St. Eugene’s Cathedral for all past and present members of Accord in the Derry Diocese. Accord, formerly CMAC (Catholic Marriage Advisory Council) opened in September 1974, by the then, Bishop Daly. Over the past 50 years CMAC/Accord has recruited men and women from the Derry area to train as Marriage Education Facilitators and Counsellors. Numerous couples, from Derry and beyond, have availed of marriage education services and counselling in the Derry Centre. CMAC/Accord volunteers have generously contributed in a very real way to the wellbeing and stability of families over these decades.

Bishop Mc Keown remarked, ‘From years of experience of working with couples and building on the concept of education prevention and early intervention, Accord believes that marriage preparation has a positive and constructive effect on couples who are making the most important commitment of their lives. It offers couples ‘timeout’ to look at their relationship, the impact of their family of origin and what this can bring – often unawares – into their relationship. Couples who avail of the Accord Marriage Preparation Programme have the opportunity to look at how they communicate and learn vital skills for dealing with conflict.’

Chairperson, Margaret Murphy said, ‘Accord’s counselling service contributes in a positive way to the happiness and wellbeing of many children, often significantly, when their parents seek help to resolve their relationship difficulties. This is even more critical for children living in situations of domestic violence/abuse. The benefit of happier and more united parents contributing to the wellbeing, security and happiness of children is pivotal and cannot be over-estimated.’

Accord’s counselling service is based on need rather than an ability to pay and is open to all regardless of faith, denomination or none.

If you are preparing for marriage or experiencing difficulties in your marriage or relationship, please contact us at www.accordni.com Tel: (028)71362475 Email: derry@accordni.com