At your initial meeting with the pastoral minister the various marriage preparation programs will be explained and made available to you. These would include Engaged Encounter Weekends, Pre-Cana Sessions and other appropriate parish-based programs approved by the diocese and best suited to your needs. These sessions strive to provide quality time for you to reflect and discuss the important aspects of marriage with committed married couples. They seek to share with you the wisdom gained from their experiences as they live out their own vocation to married life.
For more information on Pre-Cana Sessions, click here.
Pastoral Sessions & Wedding Liturgy
Meetings With The Pastoral Minister
Following participation in a marriage preparation program you will once again arrange to meet with the pastoral minister. This will be an opportunity to share your experiences about the session you attended and to discuss any serious issues or concerns that may need to be addressed. It will also be the time to collect any outstanding documents and complete any remaining paperwork. Once your readiness for marriage is affirmed, the planning for the wedding liturgy may begin.
Issues That May Require Consultation
During the course of your preparation, the pastoral minister may find that you may be experiencing a significant difficulty or perceive that there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Such a situation may involve theological, medical or psychological consultation. When this occurs the pastoral minister is required to refer such concerns to be reviewed through a process that has been established in the diocese where your preparation is taking place. In such circumstances the pastoral minister will inform you that the marriage preparation process will have to be extended. It is your right to appeal directly to the Bishop or his representative if you wish. The pastoral minister will assist you in making such an appeal.
Immediate Plans For The Wedding Liturgy
The pastoral minister will assist in planning the wedding liturgy by providing information and resources that may be helpful in making the appropriate choices for this celebration. The Rite of Marriage contains various options for prayers, Scripture readings, blessings, and wedding ceremonies. Parish guidelines and local policies may also be available. Other parish ministries might also provide guidance in various areas (music, environment, etc.). A date and time for the rehearsal is confirmed. Prior to the rehearsal all details regarding the wedding liturgy should be reviewed and approved by the officiant.
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
Marriage Formation Sessions
Participating In A Shared Process
