A Legacy of Formation: History of the Manual

The In-Home Marriage Preparation Manual is not just a curriculum; it is the fruit of decades of pastoral experience and theological study. Its journey reflects a commitment to the "New Evangelization" and the belief that marriage preparation is most effective when it happens at the kitchen table.

  • The program was born from a need identified by the Diocese of Baton Rouge. In 2002, Family Life Director Warren Dazzio and Fr. Miles Walsh sought an "upgrade" to marriage preparation. After reviewing national programs, they found the mentor-couple approach used by Jan and Lloyd Tate to be superior. This led to a formal partnership, and in 2003, the first edition of the In-Home Marriage Preparation Manual was published.

  • In 2007, sole responsibility for the program transitioned to the Tates. Over the next decade, the manual underwent significant refinements:

    • Theology of the Body Integration: Drawing on Lloyd Tate’s Master’s Degree in Theology from Notre Dame Seminary, the manual was updated to provide deeper clarity on the beauty of human sexuality and sacramental unity.

    • Expert Resources: The program began incorporating world-class resources, such as Christopher West’s "Sexual Honesty," ensuring that mentor couples have access to the most effective teaching tools in the Church.

    • Modernized Format: Major revisions in 2013 and 2016 streamlined the program for ease of use, moving toward a digital-friendly PDF model for handouts while maintaining the classic binder for mentor guidance.

Mission Over Profit

Unlike many modern programs that require expensive, single-use "couple packs," the In-Home Manual was designed for repetitive use and sustainability. Its focus has always been on effectiveness in evangelization rather than revenue streams. By keeping the "business" side simple, the ministry ensures that parishes can focus their resources where they matter most: investing in people.

Key Facts for Quick Reference:

A Proven Track Record

For over 20 years, this manual has been a staple in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and several dioceses across the country. It has achieved a rare "triple impact":

  1. Evangelizing lukewarm couples.

  2. Imparting life skills and sacramental understanding.

Revitalizing the faith and marriages of the mentor couples themselves.

  • First Published: 2003 (Copyrighted with the Library of Congress).

  • Current Edition: 2016 (Major Theological Update).

  • Unique Feature: Designed for mentorship and "domestic church" hospitality.

  • Training: Supported by an 8-chapter video training series (Vimeo) for new mentor couples.

"Second Generation Directors," you can use this summary to show that your ministry is built on 50 years of proven success.