Bermuda has one of the highest divorce rates in the world and the breakdown of marriages oftentimes affects more than just the husband and wife involved.

The Roman Catholic Church is one of the strongest proponents of the sanctity of the family unit and divorce is frowned upon.

Locally however the Roman Catholic synod have recognised the difficulties that come to bear in marriage and will offer two days of seminars and practical workshops to help couples weather the trying times.

On January 28 at 7.30 p.m. attendees will hear a keynote address from Deacon John Charters on marriage and family life. He will talk about the theology of marriage and encourage audience discussion at the end.

The morning session on Saturday, January 29 will feature a panel discussion with four married couples. Deacon John and Diane Charters, Dan and Stacy Cook, Eddie and Helen Cabral and Giorgio and Marilyn Zanol are all Catholics whose marriages range in duration from five to 40-years.

They will talk about their personal experiences and give advice on building a strong union.

In the afternoon there will be six break-out sessions which will focus on overcoming specific stresses. Longtime educators and a strong Catholic couple, Derek and Wendy Tully will lead discussion on Sharing Financial Decisions.

Joanne McDonough from the Employee Assistance Programme will talk about The Demands on "Sandwich Generation". Discussion will look at ways of alleviating the stresses with those who are taking care of their own family unit as well as ageing parents.

Coping with Physical and Functional Disabilities will be facilitated by registered nurse Nannette Kiernan who has a deaf child.

Dr. Janet Kempe of the Reading Centre will address concerns on Coping with Learning Disabilities while Martha Dismont of the Family Centre will talk about and offer practical advice on good parenting skills.

Father Henry Arruda of Fall River, Massachusetts will offer a special session in Portuguese where he will pr?cis the morning panel discussion and the Friday night address. Father Arruda will also try to address any specific stress related concerns that attendees might have.

The seminar and workshops are open to the general public and to single and divorced people. There is no fee to attend but donations will be accepted.