Engaged couples working with a facilitator, clergy or sponsor couple

Initial Meeting

Catholic marriage preparation commonly begins with a meeting of the engaged couple and a priest or deacon in their home parish. During this meeting, the priest or deacon will discuss the requirements that must be met prior to the couple being married in the church.

Premarital Inventory

This premarital inventory is completed by couples online. Two reports are provided for download:
• The Couple Report is a 15-20 page report illustrates strengths and growth areas in the couple’s relationship.
• The Discussion Guide provides exercises, conversation starters, and scriptural references for the topics included in the Couple Report.

Online PreCana

The engaged couple and facilitator agree on a time frame and schedule for progressing through the PreCana. For example, they will meet up every Thursday evening for several weeks. Each week, they determine which topics will be done and ready to discuss together during their next meeting.

Follow Up

Couples are encouraged to meet with their priest or deacon after completing the premarital inventory and the online PreCana. This meeting is a time to review the Catholic Couple Checkup report and the pages of questions with notes taken during the PreCana program.

Wedding Day

The wedding rite takes place with the Sacrament of Matrimony, one of seven sacraments Catholics believe to be channels of God’s grace. Rich in tradition and liturgy, the Church offers this sacred opportunity to join with family and friends in dedicating the couple’s marriage to God, the author of all love.

Education and Enrichment

Just as a garden needs to be tended to in order to grow and thrive, marriages are strengthened by the commitment to
continued learning and relationship building. This program begins with marriage preparation and continues with 12 months of marriage education and enrichment opportunities following the wedding.