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Congratulations on your engagement!
Thank you for exploring the option of getting married in the Diocese of Evansville. Below you will find important information regarding the steps that you and your partner are encouraged to explore to see the best process that is right for you, your partner and your faith journey. It is important to remember a marriage is not a ceremony, a social event, a mere formality or an abstract ideal. Pope Francis said. ”It is a gift from God that joins a man and woman together so that ‘the two shall become one flesh’ and ‘what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Ideally, marriage preparation begins when children model their Catholic parents; mature in their Catholic community; come to understand their worth in God's eyes and live out their unique Baptismal call. Marriage preparation is a lifelong journey (just ask any married couple), regardless of where either of you started or the journey both of you took to get here God is happy to have you choosing the Catholic faith and church as a crucial step along the way |
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* Unveiled Premarital Retreat
Premarital retreat program designed to prepare couples in the Diocese of Evansville for the human reality of married life, with all its potential joys and sorrows, and unveils the mystery of married love as an icon of divine love. The witness of authentic married life lived as a sacrament - that is, an indissoluble, faithful, creative, and complete love exchanged between man and woman - is a compelling testimony that presents the Mystery of Christ to the world anew. Retreat to be held at Catholic Center (4200 N. Kentucky Ave. Evansville, IN) 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. This retreat includes light breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Mass which observes Sunday Obligation is included, along with an opportunity for reconciliation. The Truth about NFP course is covered during this single day retreat. |
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
Building a Eucharistic Marriage
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The “Building a Eucharistic Marriage” course is a 7-part video series, built off of a therapeutic model for change, which connects 7 areas for therapeutically strengthening our marriage with 7 areas of deepening our relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. This course comes out of a longer program written by Greg Schutte, MSW, LISW-S called “Discovering Our Deepest Desire,” which has an imprimatur from the Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Below is a description of each of the 7 sessions and what the expected outcome is.
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Grace Marriage
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Our 7-year cycle of curriculum creates a pathway for marriage discipleship. Grace Marriage includes beautifully crafted journals that seamlessly blend reflection, connection and a plan for relational growth.
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MARRIAGE PREPARATION STEPS
It is highly recommended that you (the couple) speak with the parish and priest regarding paperwork that will need to be completed and about the different marriage preparation programs available for you and your partner to prayerfully consider using in this process. With prayer and your Pastor's guidance you and your partner can decide to attend a Marriage Preparation Retreat or meet with a parish approved Sponsor Couple. More information below regarding options.
If you choose the Marriage Preparation Retreat then you will complete the FOCCUS inventory and review the results with your pastor or another marriage preparation facilitator at your parish. The FOCCUS inventory is a questionnaire the couples complete separately and come together with a facilitator to review and discuss the results. It is important to note that the FOCCUS inventory is not a compatibility questionnaire but offers insight and opportunities for discussion
If you choose to meet with a parish approved Sponsor Couple you will need to contact the Holy Family Center for Life to schedule a time to attend the Truth about NFP course they offer. This is free of charge and offered every six weeks. Ideally this should be completed 6 months prior to your wedding. The Marriage Preparation Retreat will include the Truth about NFP, but attending the course should still happen 6 months prior to the marriage.
Truth about NFP for Engaged Couples (time is 3 pm in the time zone hosting)
* Please note the classes close approximately 1 week prior to allow for preparation
* Click here for future dates
Sunday - November 2, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Parish (Ireland, IN)
Sunday - December 14, 2025 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish (Evansville, IN)
*If none of the dates provided work for you and your partner or you and your partner wish for an individualized education plan please reach out to the Holy Family Center for Life via email to see about donating and scheduling an session.
Please email Megan Knies or contact at (812) 424 - 5536 if you have any questions.
If you choose the Marriage Preparation Retreat then you will complete the FOCCUS inventory and review the results with your pastor or another marriage preparation facilitator at your parish. The FOCCUS inventory is a questionnaire the couples complete separately and come together with a facilitator to review and discuss the results. It is important to note that the FOCCUS inventory is not a compatibility questionnaire but offers insight and opportunities for discussion
If you choose to meet with a parish approved Sponsor Couple you will need to contact the Holy Family Center for Life to schedule a time to attend the Truth about NFP course they offer. This is free of charge and offered every six weeks. Ideally this should be completed 6 months prior to your wedding. The Marriage Preparation Retreat will include the Truth about NFP, but attending the course should still happen 6 months prior to the marriage.
- UNVEILED RETREAT:
- There are 4 retreats per year. They are held at SARTO retreat center in Evansville. NOTE: The UNVEILED retreat includes the Truth About NFP course.
- PARISH SPONSOR COUPLE PROGRAM:
- If your parish has a Sponsor Couple program, you can utilize this service instead of the retreat.
- TRUTH ABOUT NFP
- A FREE, 45-minute session about Natural Family Planning. This course should be taken 6 months prior to your marriage regardless of which option (sponsor couple or retreat) you and your partner choose. Information regarding dates and times can be located below or check out the Holy Family Center for Life at their website for useful information and resources including contact information, dates, times, and locations for the multiple services they offer.
Truth about NFP for Engaged Couples (time is 3 pm in the time zone hosting)
* Please note the classes close approximately 1 week prior to allow for preparation
* Click here for future dates
Sunday - November 2, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Parish (Ireland, IN)
Sunday - December 14, 2025 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish (Evansville, IN)
*If none of the dates provided work for you and your partner or you and your partner wish for an individualized education plan please reach out to the Holy Family Center for Life via email to see about donating and scheduling an session.
Please email Megan Knies or contact at (812) 424 - 5536 if you have any questions.
SINGLE DAY UNVEILED RETREAT REGISTRATION - Online Registration (Various Location)
2025 DATE
Saturday August 16, 2025 - Catholic Center (4200 N. Kentucky Ave, Evansville, IN)
Saturday November 1, 2025 - Catholic Center (4200 N. Kentucky Ave, Evansville, IN)
2026 Dates will be finalized and released soon
If interested to become a sponsor or facilitator couple email Megan Knies at [email protected]
Saturday August 16, 2025 - Catholic Center (4200 N. Kentucky Ave, Evansville, IN)
Saturday November 1, 2025 - Catholic Center (4200 N. Kentucky Ave, Evansville, IN)
2026 Dates will be finalized and released soon
If interested to become a sponsor or facilitator couple email Megan Knies at [email protected]
Sarto Retreat Center is located at the Catholic Center in Evansville. The address is 4200 N. Kentucky Ave. Evansville, IN 47711
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