One of the main messages we work to get through to our engaged couples is that a marriage is forever. We work hard to help them understand the importance of the commitment they are about to make. The couple's children are very proud of their parents for earning this award, which was presented at a luncheon on Oct. 20. Marriage Preparation is a partnership between the engaged couple, their parish, and the Green Bay Diocese. It's never too early for an engaged couple to begin the process of preparation for their marriage, but they must allow a minimum of six months.
Some parishes have their own marriage prep programs.
Other parishes send engaged couples to diocesan sponsored programs. The first step in preparation is an initial meeting of the engaged couple with a parish staff member, commonly the pastor. The second step of Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage is a formation phase. This is the meat and potatoes of preparation. There are 156 statements the engaged couple answer individually.