Marriage Preparation Process

Marriage preparation is an opportunity for couples to grow together, deepen their relationship, and prepare for the vocation of married life. To make this preparation as meaningful and personalized as possible, our diocese encourages couples to participate in a Sponsor Couple ministry as part of their preparation.
 
 Trained married couples accompany engaged couples through 5–6 sessions, offering conversation, support, and the wisdom that comes from their own experience of married life. Sponsor Couple ministry is recommended for all couples, including those preparing for a first marriage, couples in which one or both individuals have been previously married, and civilly married couples preparing to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church.
 
 As part of the process, couples should also complete the FOCCUS Inventory and review the results with a certified FOCCUS Facilitator sponsor couple. If a certified sponsor couple is not available, the inventory may be reviewed with another member of the parish marriage preparation team.
 
 Because every couple’s story is unique, additional training and resources are available to sponsor couples working with couples who may have particular circumstances, including those who are:

• Expecting a child or bringing children into the marriage
• Entering a second or subsequent marriage, including widows and widowers
• Seeking validation of a marriage in the Catholic Church following a previous marriage
• Referred for additional support by a priest, deacon, or pastoral minister

 Ready to begin? Contact your parish and ask to be connected with a local Sponsor Couple who can walk alongside you as you prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony.