Catalyst group offering free couples check up

The heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are on the shelves. Those little conversation hearts are out, too. February is just a week away and love is in the air.

Hoping to capitalize on the month's romantic theme, Christian leaders across Lake County say they want to strengthen current and future marriages.

The Libertyville-based Catalyst network plans to invite 100,000 or more Lake County residents a "Couple Checkup" online assessment. The evaluation, which normally costs $30, will be offered free during the month of February. Each couple will receive a 20-page profile detailing their relationship strengths and growth areas. There are separate assessments for dating, engaged and married couples.

"A happy, more content home leads to a better neighborhood and community transformation," said Catalyst spokesman Bill Yaccino.

Yaccino said church leaders report that marriage and family problems are major issues in their congregations. "There is an ever-present need for help with relationship issues," Yaccino said. "We hear about this on a regular basis and decided we needed to link arms and try and make a difference."

Word about the free assessment is being publicized in local churches, through e-mail and by word-of-mouth, Yaccino said. Organizers are expecting more than 5,000-10,000 people will be taking the Web-based questionnaire.

Folks are being directed to the "You, Me and Us," Web site at youMeUs.org to get started. Once the couple gets the results, there are a number of follow-up programs and marriage-themed events where they can get help on how to interpret and apply the information. The assessment is open to people of all faiths and congregations, Yaccino said.

"It's like owning a car. You have to tune up a marriage to keep it running strong," said David Weil, Family Ministries Pastor at Christ Church in Lake Forest. "Life can run our marriages into the repair shop quickly. But the best preventive maintenance is finding joy in our relationships."