Just as you took time to prepare to receive First Communion and other sacraments, marriage requires a preparation of at least six months and preferably a year. The priest or deacon who is witnessing your wedding will discuss Church teaching on marriage with you. You Administer the Sacrament of Marriage, not the priest or deacon. Your role as a married couple will be to keep that love alive because you are a special sign of God's love for the church. There is a significant U.S. Divorce Rate.
Catholics believe that marriage is a lifelong commitment.
After getting to know you, the priest, deacon or pastoral associate will discuss the Church's teaching on marriage and help you to look at your readiness for a lifelong commitment. He or she will see you for one or two meetings and refer you to an engaged couple workshop. If you don't have a workshop in your parish, look at the schedule that follows to find a program. Return to the parish for one or two more meetings. These provide engaged couples the chance to explore various areas of marriage and family life.