When a couple first approaches our parish, the focus is not on the paperwork, but discernment.

• A priest or the Sacraments Coordinator meets the couple to discuss intentions, readiness, and understanding of marriage

• The Church ensures both are entering freely, with no coercion

❤️ The goal: Is this truly a call to a sacramental marriage?

Marriage preparation includes learning what the Church actually teaches.

• Meaning of marriage as a covenant, not a contract

• Openness to life and family

• Faithfulness, unity, and permanence

• Understanding the sacramental nature (grace, vocation)

🙏🏻 Couples are led to see marriage as a path to holiness, not just companionship.

The diocese requires all couples to complete a structured programmes (i.e. Engaged Encounter, Marriage Preparation Course)

These courses discuss:

• Communication and conflict resolution

• Financial planning and expectations

• Sexuality and responsible parenthood

• Family backgrounds and values

Often, married couples accompany the engaged pair through:

• sharing real-life experiences

• offering mentorship

• providing a model of lived marriage

The Church forms couples within a community, not in isolation.

🎯 The goal of this course is to move couples from “we love each other” to

“we understand how to live together for life”.

The Church doesn’t just teach—it walks with the couple spiritually.

The Church:

• encourages prayer as a couple

• participation in the Eucharist

• reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

• reflection on Scripture and vocation

✝️ Marriage is sustained by grace, not just effort.

There are also formal steps to ensure the marriage is valid:

• Documentation (baptismal certificates, etc.)

• Pre-nuptial inquiry (to confirm freedom to marry)

• Planning the wedding liturgy

📝 This ensures the marriage is valid, licit, and sacramental.