Congratulations on your engagement!
We're glad you're here!
Thank you for saying yes to a lifelong, life-giving, and generous love. As a married couple, your witness to the love of God is desperately needed in our world! In this special season of your lives, the Church wants to support you in preparation for your marriage. While we outline the aspects of marriage preparation that are offered below, the best resource for you is your parish priest or deacon, who will accompany you on this journey.
Not engaged yet, but still discerning? Check out this list of frequently asked questions by couples who are considering marriage.
This should be done as soon as possible, as the priest or deacon will accompany you throughout your engagement. The priest will determine your freedom to marry and explain the marriage preparation process. Then your wedding date can be set!
A PMI is a set of questions giving a couple a current snapshot of their relationship. This provides you a unique opportunity to discuss various topics and build a strong foundation for your life together.
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Overflowing Pre-Cana Retreats
Register for a retreat held by your parish. -
Mentoring Option
A mentoring option using Witness to Love is available through the Diocese. Email [email protected] to inquire if this option is currently available. -
Online Pre-Cana
Preparing for Marriage (Free) AND
The Joy-Filled Marriage Program ($105)
NFP teaches couples to recognize the signs of a woman’s fertile window, allowing them to make prudent decisions about family planning without violating God’s design or disrupting a woman’s biology. There are several highly effective, researched methods of Natural Family Planning to choose from, available to learn either in person or online.
As you prepare for the Sacrament in which you give yourselves to each other, invest in your spiritual growth. The grace and strength you receive from the Sacrament of Confession and from the Eucharist are the best preparation you can receive for your marriage! (We have provided a Confession Guide for Engaged Couples to help you.) You can also take part in spiritual reading or prayer together. God is the source of all love, and desires to share it with you.
Your priest or deacon will work with you on planning your wedding liturgy, including the readings, songs, and gift-bearers, etc.
Be sure to check out our Resource Page for more helpful tools for your marriage! If you have any further questions, email the Marriage and Family Life Office at [email protected], or give us a call at 614-241-2560.