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Response to COVID-19
Due to current restrictions, all live marriage preparation sessions have been cancelled at least through April 24. Given the current state of uncertainty and the limited number of spots available in remaining live sessions, we are encouraging all engaged couples to pursue online marriage preparation. Approved options include:
1. Theology of the Body Online Pre-Cana from CatholicMarriagePrep.com (English and Spanish)
2. Living Our Faith in Love from The Marriage Group (English).
3. Preparación Matrimonial Católica (Spanish) -
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Contact Us
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Dr. John Joyofmmadisondiocese.orgCoordinator of Marriage and Family Ministries -
mpadminmadisondiocese.orgAssociate Coordinator of Marriage and Family Ministries -
nfpmadisondiocese.orgNatural Family Planning
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Congratulations on Your Engagement!
It is an exciting time when you meet the one you love and look forward to the rest of your lives together. The Church earnestly desires to assist all engaged couples to be fully prepared for a lifetime of love and joy together.
Below are the Seven Steps for getting married within the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Madison. But preparing for your marriage must be more than meeting a set of requirements! The marriage prep program is meant to help couples understand more about one another and about the beautiful vision of marital love that is the heart of Christian marriage. -
First Steps
Step 1. Meet with Your Pastor
When: Before you set a wedding date.
Contact your parish as soon as possible--preferably one year but at least six months before your desired wedding date.
Once you are engaged, contact your pastor right away to set up a meeting. During this initial meeting, the pastor can determine if both parties are free to marry. He will also provide you with the information you need to complete the remaining steps of your marriage preparation process.
Please remember, it is essential to have this meeting as early as possible to have enough time to resolve any particular issues, obtain necessary documents, and benefit fully from the marriage preparation process.
Step 2. Take Inventory
When: As soon as possible after meeting with your pastor.
Most parishes will require you to complete the FOCCUS marriage preparation inventory. FOCCUS is a series of questions designed to assess each of your habits, expectations, and values. It will provide you with a personalized profile of your relationship’s strengths and weaknesses. The inventory is an important starting place for couple discussion and a map of the areas that may need affirmation, attention, or problem-solving.
Some parishes may use the PREPARE inventory instead of FOCCUS. Both are approved by the Diocese of Madison. Ask your pastor to set up the inventory for you. -
Next Steps
Step 3. Connect with Marriage Prep Course
When: Five to six months before the wedding.There are currently three options for Catholic marriage preparation approved for the Diocese of Madison, as detailed below. Your pastor will help you determine which of the following marriage prep courses to pursue.
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Option 1. Witness to Love
Witness to Love is the preferred option for Catholic marriage preparation in the Diocese of Madison. Ask your pastor if Witness to Love is available at your parish!
One of the first parts of your Witness to Love journey is choosing a mentor couple. Why should you choose your own mentor couple? There is an immediate benefit from inviting a couple whom you trust and admire to walk with you before and after your wedding day. Your relationship with a trusted mentor that you already know will help provide ongoing renewal as well as the spiritual and relational support needed throughout your married life. Rooted, lasting relationships are vital for every newly married couple! You will also experience the delight of seeing the surprise and appreciation in your mentor couple’s eyes when you put into words your esteem for their witness to love.
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Option 2. Online Pre-Cana
With 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.- Online class is particulary effective for today's busy engaged couples.
- Especially useful for couples with irregular schedules or those separated by distance during the engagement.
Register at CatholicMarriagePrep.com. Go to the Course Info tab, choose Online Pre-Cana from the dropdown menu, and look for the Register button on the sidebar. Course is also available in Spanish.
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Option 3. Traditional Live Instruction
COVID-19/Coronavirus Update:
Please read before registering for live sessions! Due to current restrictions, all live marriage preparation sessions have been cancelled at least through April 24. The couples from cancelled sessions quickly filled most of the remaining sessions on the schedule. Given the current state of uncertainty and the limited number of spots available in remaining live sessions, we strongly encourage you to pursue online marriage preparation.
Note: traditional live instruction includes two seminars called (1) God's Plan for Love, and (2) Real Life, Real Love. These seminars can be taken separately or combined in a Weekend Retreat.
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Step 4. Learn Natural Family Planning
When: Four to six months before your wedding.
To ensure you have the tools to plan your family effectively and in accord with God’s plan for marriage, you will have the opportunity to learn Natural Family Planning. The Diocese has instructors available in a variety of methods. Questions about NFP? Check out our FAQ page!
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Final Steps
Step 5. Plan the Ceremony
When: Four to six weeks before the wedding.As the date of your wedding approaches, you should meet again with the priest or deacon who will be witnessing your marriage. You will have the opportunity to discuss your experience of the marriage preparation, finalize liturgical plans for the ceremony, and address any additional needs that you have.
Step 6. Go to Confession
When: One to four weeks before the wedding.
The Church invites all Catholics to prepare themselves spiritually by receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation shortly before their wedding day. This will allow you to receive all the graces and all the love that God desires to pour out upon you in the sacrament of marriage. Make an appointment with your pastor or find out when confessions are regularly heard at your parish. Haven't been to Confession in a while? Not to worry! Here is what you need:
Step 7. Get Married!
Congratulations on making it to your big day! But remember, this is only the beginning! Stay connected to God by going to Sunday Mass every week and talk to your pastor about ways to get involved in the parish so that you can nourish and sustain your love for each other in a welcoming and supportive community. And tap into some other great resources for building healthy marriages and families like this one:
