Marriage Formation
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Contact Us
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lnauertzcatholicdos.orgAssociate Director of Evangelization & Missionary Discipleship
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Formation8-12 Months before weddingIn order for a couple to have a happy, healthy and holy marriage, a firm foundation is essential. This step of Marriage Prep should begin at least 8-12 months before the wedding day to give the couple ample time to set that foundation on Jesus Christ and to come to an understanding of God's beautiful plan for the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples are encouraged to take this time, with the help of a mentoring couple to prepare themselves for a lifetime together that will require incredible patience and sacrifice.
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Recommended Resources for Parishes
- Witness to Love
- Formed - Beloved
- Ascension Press - Joy Filled Marriage
- Dynamic Catholic - Better Together
- Catholic Marriage Prep
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Online OptionWith your pastor's approval, you can choose to take the Online Pre-Cana - Theology of the Body Marriage Prep Course from CatholicMarriagePrep.com. This is a one-on-one online mentor-led Pre-Cana program that covers the theological and sacramental aspects of marriage and sexuality and expands upon the life-skills couples will need throughout their marriage. Taught online with the one-on-one mentoring of a married instructor couple, the online class is particularly effective for today's busy engaged couples. It's especially useful for couples with irregular schedules or those separated by distance during the engagement.
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When to set official wedding date
Since it may become necessary to delay the wedding at anytime during steps 1-6, a couple should establish a wedding date and send out invitations when they have been instructed to do so by the priest/deacon who will be presiding at their wedding.
For a just cause, a marriage can be delayed. Common causes include:- non-practice of the faith by the Catholic with no intention of practicing the faith after marriage,
- substantial lack of appreciation of the spiritual aspects of marriage,
- refusal to cooperate in the marriage preparation process, and
- unmet obligations to a person or children arising from a prior union.
Appeal Process: If your marriage is delayed, you may ask to have your situation reviewed by the designated diocesan office or agency. The recommendations arising from the appeal process shall be referred to the bishop or his delegate for final determination in a timely and strictly confidential manner.
If a delay is recommended, you will be offered resources to help you remove the cause(s) of delay, and you will be advised of the process of appeal.