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Marriage Preparation
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“The image of God is the married couple: the man and the woman; not only the man, not only the woman, but both of them together. This is the image of God: love, God’s covenant with us is represented in that covenant between man and woman. And this is very beautiful!” -Pope Francis, General Audience, April 2, 2014
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Marriage Preparation Regional In-Person Programs
Please click below to view schedules:
2024 Marriage Preparation Programs2025 Marriage Preparation Programs
For In-Person Programs:Please click on the link below the Parish you want to attend, to register. If you have any questions, please call the number below the Parish.
For Zoom Programs:
Please click on the link below the Zoom you want to attend, to register. If you have any questions, please call Annette at (213) 637-7228.
Engaged Zoom Programs Convalidation Zoom Program January 25, 2025 January 11. 2025 February 15, 2025 April 5, 2025
March 22. 2025 July 19, 2025
April 12, 2025 October 18, 2025
May 3, 2025For more information please contact the following:
English, Candy Metoyer, [email protected]; 213.637.7250
Spanish, Graciela Villalobos, [email protected]; 213.637.7561
Purpose of ProgramTo provide an opportunity for Engaged and Convalidation couples to assess their readiness for marriage and to assist them in understanding that marriage is a Vocation, a Covenant and a Sacrament.
The programs consist of presentations to Engaged and Convalidation couples on topics such as the sacramentality and spirituality of marriage, family of origin, communication, finances, and intimacy. The sessions are facilitated by Priests, Deacons, and Married Couples.
When to Attend
The engaged couple is asked to attend their marriage preparation program during the first three months of the required six-month preparation time. No certificate is issued to anyone who arrives late or leaves early.
Marriage Preparation Programs
There are different types of Marriage Preparation Programs available to Engaged and Convalidation couples in the Archdiocese. Listed below are descriptions of these programs, which have been designed to address the specific issues and needs of the couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
- Fees: $120 per couple (In-Person: Cash Only) (Zoom: On-Line Payment)
- Please bring pen or pencil and small cushion for seating comfort. (In-Person Program)
- Drinks and light snacks provided, 60 min. lunch break. (In-Person Program)
Engaged Marriage Preparation ProgramThe One Day Marriage Preparation Programs is for Engaged Couples who are being married for the first time. Engaged couples who attend these sessions have not been previously married to each other civilly. These programs address such topics as:
- Sacrament of Matrimony
- Family of Origin
- Communication
- Decision-Making
Convalidation Marriage
Preparation Program
These programs is for couples who have been previously married in a civil ceremony. They are now making a commitment in the sight of the Catholic Community, entering into a covenanted relationship, not just with each other but also with God and God’s people, the Church. These couples have been married anywhere from a few months to many years and some already have children. This type of preparation can also be beneficial for the couple who has lived together for an extended period of time. These sessions address such issues as:- Sacrament of Matrimony
- Family of Origin
- Parenting
- Finances
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekends
The Engaged Encounter weekend is a full weekend experience of marriage preparation. The weekend combines learning practical skills for a successful marriage while sharing the experience of a private retreat setting with your fiancèe/fiancè.The weekend begins on Friday evening at 8:00 pm and ends with Mass on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 pm. Presentations by two married Catholic Couples and a Priest will stimulate the engaged couple to reflect and share with each other on self-knowledge, communication, sexuality, decision making, marriage as a sacrament, morality, family, betrothal and stewardship. The engaged couple’s personal discussion will always be from the viewpoint of their own relationship. The main thrust of the weekend is personal reflection and private couple dialogue.
Meal times, Saturday afternoon break, Saturday evening group discussion, and Sunday afternoon Mass provide opportunities for intra-couple relationships and group participation. Otherwise the weekend is designed as a private experience for the engaged couple.
Engaged Encounter Weekends are given regularly in the Archdiocese. Registration and scheduling is by email (http://ceeofla.org) or mail only. Brochures and applications have been distributed to each Parish.
Reservation requests need to be made as soon as a couple decides to be married (9-12 months before the wedding is desirable). The Engaged Encounter Weekend should be completed a minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
For schedule information visit their website at www.CEEofLA.org, or call (805) 529-0245.
Special Circumstances
From time to time we receive calls about senior couples whom it may not be appropriate to send on the regular marriage preparation sessions. (e.g., physical stamina, too wide of gap in age differences, etc.) please call the Office of Marriage & Family Life. We will make special arrangements.
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Contact Us
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Candy MetoyerCMetoyerla-archdiocese.orgAssociate Director (English)
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Pre-Nuptial Witness AffidavitDownload the Fillable PDF of the Pre-Nuptial Witness Affidavit Form -
Marriage Preparation Team
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"Serving the Lord on the Marriage Preparation Team has not only strengthened our loving relationship, but it also reminds us of God's unconditional love and presence."
-Melissa and Josh Diosomito
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We invite couples married in the Catholic Church to become part of our Marriage Preparation Ministry Team.
Call or email Candy Metoyer today to join the team! (213) 637-7250 or [email protected]
Benefits
- Learn tools and techniques to strengthen your marriage
- Deepen your spirituality & faith
- Join in fellowship with other couples
- Feel satisfied in helping the church
- Increase in self-awareness
- Share in the joy of new love
- Access to marriage enrichment opportunities
Commitment
- Attend a One-Day Marriage Preparation Program Training Course
- Write presentations with the assistance of Program outline and Coordinator
- Present a minimum of three Marriage Preparation Programs annually
- Present the Program in your choice of participating Parishes
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Josh & Melissa Diosomito
Like many other engaged couples, we had some doubts about the actual benefits of attending a marriage preparation course. Clearly, we were mistaken. The Marriage Preparation course not only raised several important topics of what a sacramental marriage looks like, but it also challenged my wife and I to openly discuss several topics that were sensitive and unresolved. Now as a married couple, we serve on the Marriage Prep Team. Preparing discussion topics, sharing our experiences, and learning from the engaged couples has been a tremendous benefit to our marriage. Serving the Lord on the Marriage Prep Team has not only strengthened our loving relationship, but it also reminds us of God’s unconditional love and presence.
– Josh & Melissa Diosomito
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Ted & Terri Furlow
When we got married, there was no marriage prep. Just sign some papers, swear you had never been married before and you were good to go. Shortly after our 25th wedding anniversary, we were invited to attend a marriage prep to see if we might like to become part of the ministry. It looked like something that would allow us to give back. Who knew that we would get so much in return? We have learned more about each other and our relationship in these past 20 years than we did in the first 25.
– Ted & Terri Furlow
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Patrick & Katrina Calvario
Both of us come from divorced families, so being Marriage Prep presenters gives us the opportunity to share our story and give a message of hope and encouragement to those who may have been affected by divorce. We feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment if we help at least one married couple to turn away from divorce.
– Patrick & KatrinaCalvario
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Online Marriage Support Resources:
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For Your Marriage: USCCB Marriage and Family Life WebsiteThe “For Your Marriage” website offers practical help and advice whether you’re seriously dating, engaged, or at any stage of married life. Available on the homepage: the Daily Marriage Tips, book reviews, and blogs by engaged and married couples. www.foryourmarriage.org.
Direct link to resources recommended by the USCCB here.
Better Together: A Marriage Preparation Inventory
Marriage Preparation Books
- United in Christ: Preparing the Liturgy of the Word at Catholic Weddings by Leisa Anslinger and Jennifer Kerr Budziak
- A Guide to Catholic Weddings: Q&A for Couples by Sandra Dooley
- God, Marriage & Money: Discovering Your Money Mindsets by Jon and Evelyn Bean
- Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey
- Set Your House in Order by Financial Discipleship Studies
- My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints by Dawn Eden
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