Based on the key areas of marriage preparation, outlined by the United States Bishops in the National Directory for Catechesis, the Office of Pro-Life and Family Life suggests three guiding principles for formation and catechesis of engaged couples prior to their wedding ceremony:
Catholic Vision of Love and Marriage: Sacramental marriage as permanent, covenantal, and exclusive.
Catholic Understanding of Sexuality: Marriage as life-giving, unitive and procreative.
Skills of Love and Marriage: Skills component which addresses communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, personality and self-awareness, finances, stewardship, career issues, family of origin, and extended family issues.
For a list of recommended programs please click here.
The marriage preparation process should be initiated when a couple presents themselves to their pastor and requests to be married in the Church. The following is a list of the steps in this process and a provisional timeline for completing each step:
| Steps: |
Timeline: |
| 1. The Initial Interview with Priest, Parish Life Coordinator, or Deacon. | 9-12 months prior to the wedding ceremony |
| 2. Completion of Inventory (and sponsor couple program if possible) |
6-12 months prior to wedding ceremony |
| 3. Preparatory Marriage Formation program (Pre-Cana, One In Christ, Tobit, or other approved program) |
Ideally 6-8 months prior to wedding ceremony |
| 4. Catholic Sexuality Course (Course in Theology of the Body or NFP) | Ideally 6 months prior to wedding ceremony |
| 5. Additional meetings and/or final meeting with the priest
|
As needed/Determined by clergy or Parish Life Coordinator |
| 6. Sacrament of Penance | At least once during marriage preparation |
| 7. Ongoing Marriage Enrichment program | Within the first year of marriage |