MARRIAGE PREPARATION
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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 |
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 17 th, 2024 (St. Marys’, Ireland) – 3:00 pm EST (Register)
Sunday, December 29 th, 2024 (Holy Redeemer, Evansville) – 3:00 PM EST (Register)
Sunday, February 9th, 2025 (St. Philip, Evansville) - 3:00 PM EST (Register)
*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 3 retreats per year (see below for dates). They are held at SARTO retreat center in Evansville. NOTE: The UNVEILED retreat includes the introduction to NFP.
- 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 17 th, 2024 (St. Marys’, Ireland) – 3:00 pm EST (Register)
Sunday, December 29 th, 2024 (Holy Redeemer, Evansville) – 3:00 PM EST (Register)
Sunday, February 9th, 2025 (St. Philip, Evansville) - 3:00 PM EST (Register)
*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 February 22, 2025 (St. John's Daylight)
Registration open now
Future 2025 Dates will be released soon
If interested to become a sponsor or facilitator couple email Megan Knies at [email protected]
Saturday February 22, 2025 (St. John's Daylight)
Registration open now
Future 2025 Dates will be released soon
If interested to become a sponsor or facilitator couple email Megan Knies at [email protected]
MORE UNVEILED INFO
Two-Day Retreat Schedule
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One-Day Retreat Schedule
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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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