Marriage Preparation
INTRODUCTION: There are four basic Marriage Preparation Programs. All couples of child-bearing age are required to attend and participate in the (a) God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage program entitled, "Second Saturday Seminar". This seminar experience is designed to provide the engaged couple and interested married couples with sufficient catechesis regarding the Church's teachings on the sacramentality of marriage and the sacredness of our human sexuality. Two preparation programs are recognized by this Diocese for first marriages: (b) the parish-based Lead Couple Program and/or (c) the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend model. Couples remarrying within the Church are encouraged to take advantage of either parish-based preparation efforts or to participate in the diocesan weekend experience, (d) To Trust Again.
There are four required elements to marriage preparation, they are listed below in the order in which they ought to be completed:
- Pre-Marital Assessment Inventory (Prepare II or Foccus)
- Second Saturday Seminar "God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage"
- Introductory session for Natural Family Planning
- One of three programs, whichever is appropriate for your situation: Marriage Preparation Sessions with a Lead Couple, Catholic Engaged Encounter, To Trust Again!
For more information on these marriage preparation programs, or to download a registration form, please click the appropriate link: