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Couple's Guide for Marriage Preparation - Process
 The Marriage Preparation Process
A Commitment Of Time
The preparation process for your wedding should begin as soon as you become engaged even if that is more than a year before the proposed wedding date. Normally the preparation process should begin not less than one year before the desired date of your wedding. This will give you adequate and less stressful time to prepare for the details of the wedding celebration and to reflect more deeply and prayerfully upon your upcoming marriage.
Contacting the Parish
The marriage preparation process is initiated with your first call to the parish inquiring about being married in the Church. A member of the parish staff will facilitate arrangements for you to meet with the pastoral minister (usually a priest or deacon of the parish) as soon as possible. A date for your wedding may not be entered into the parish calendar until such a meeting takes place.
The Initial Meeting
At the time of your first meeting, the pastoral minister will explain the marriage preparation process and provide information about the available marriage preparation programs you are required to attend. You have the option of selecting a program best suited to your needs (see section on “Marriage Formation Sessions” for details).
The pastoral minister will begin to fill out the necessary canonical forms and advise you as to what Church and civil documents are needed. The pastoral minister will also make certain that there are no canonical or civil impediments to your marriage. Once it is established that there are no impediments or other serious obstacles evident the wedding date may be set.
In order to obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your individual and shared experiences, the pastoral minister may have you complete a premarital inventory, i.e. F.O.C.C.U.S. (Facilitating, Open, Couple, Communication, Understanding and Study), to assist you in identifying strengths and areas for growth in your relationship, areas of agreement or disagreement you may have with each other or with Church teachings, that is, areas that need more of your reflection and discussion.
At this time in your preparation process, the parish may provide an opportunity for family and parish members to support and affirm your decision to
marry through an Engagement Blessing.
Click here for more information on F.O.C.C.U.S..
Contact Us:
Peg Hensler
Coordinator: Marriage and Family Ministries
609-406-7400 ext.5556
phensl@dioceseoftrenton.org
Office of Family Life/Respect Life
Diocesan Pastoral Center
PO Box 5147
701 Lawrenceville Road
Trenton, NJ 08638-0147
609-406-7400 Fax: 609-406-7403
Email: family@dioceseoftrenton.org
Director: Linda Richardson
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