Family Life Office

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

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MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAMS FOR THE ENGAGED

The decision to marry is a lifelong commitment to one another and to the faith community of the Church.  Careful consideration must be given by those who enter this covenant relationship that is permanent, exclusive and open to life.  Marriage Preparation Programs for the Engaged are designed to deepen a couple’s awareness of the challenges of living together in Christian marriage.  A variety of options are available and each couple should check with their pastor or marriage preparation minister to determine what is best for them. 
(Click here for a Summary of the Marriage Preparation Process in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.)

PRE-CANA

In the Gospel of St. John (John 2:1-12), there was a wedding feast in the town of Cana in Galilee.  Jesus, His disciples, and His mother were all invited to the celebration.  It is a blessing to know that Jesus began His ministry by honoring marriages, when He performed His first miracle…changing the water into wine at the wedding feast.  His presence and participation at the wedding not only sanctified the marriage but also festive celebrations and togetherness.

   “The very preparation for Christian Marriage is itself a journey of faith.  It is a special opportunity for the engaged to rediscover and deepen the faith received in baptism and nourished by their Christian upbringing.  In this way they come to recognize and freely accept their vocation to follow Christ and to serve the kingdom of God in the married state.” (Familiaris Consortio, Pope John Paul II)

•  LOCATIONS:  Cincinnati, Dayton, and Sidney (see applicable registration form)

                                                                     2007 Dates

• COST:            $100.00
• REGISTRATIONS: (All forms in PDF format )
                          Cincinnati Region
                          Dayton Region
                          Northern Region

CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER

Catholic Engaged Encounter  is an intense weekend of marriage preparation presented by a team of two married couples and a priest, all of whom rely on their personal experience and stories to encourage the engaged couple to examine their own relationship. Through presentations by the team, the engaged couple is led to dialogue privately with each other on all aspects of married life. The weekend is NOT a retreat, counseling clinic, sensitivity session or exercise in group dynamics.
The weekend is an opportunity to put aside wedding plans, job issues, and day-to-day responsibilities to focus on your relationship. It is a time to share feelings, hopes, fears, joys, and frustrations.
Although the Encounter is Catholic in origin and orientation, it is open and sensitive to couples of all faiths who seek to enrich their quality of life together. In fact, many participating couples are interfaith. It is held nine weekends a year in the Cincinnati area. www.cincinnatiengagedencounter.org

INDIVIDUAL PARISH INITIATIVES

Numerous parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have their own marriage preparation program whether that be a day-long event, small group experience, mentoring couple or another option. Engaged couples should check with the appropriate parish or pastor for further information.

REMARRIAGE  -  ARE YOU READY?

Marriage is a major decision for every person at any stage of life.  As you plan for this new marriage it is very important to consider what effects your precious relationship will have upon this new relationship.  Our past experiences affect us more than we realize and often more than we want them to.  It is possible, however, to live free from hurts, wounds, and disappointments of our past.  Looking back at your former marriage may elicit feelings and thoughts which you hoped were gone forever.  Yet this step is necessary to properly plan and prepare for your life with your future partner.   

A loving and fulfilled remarriage will depend on how well you prepare yourself, your future spouse, and your children from prior relationships.  The Archdiocese of Cincinnati addresses remarriage in a variety of formats and further information follows.

 NEW BEGINNINGS

New Beginnings is a special marriage preparation programs designed for couples entering marriage after one or both partners has experience loss through death, divorce, or annulment.  New Beginnings is a two evening program offered twice a year in the Sidney area. 

• LOCATION/DATES – 2007 / 2008:

• REGISTRATIONS:   Use the Pre-Cana registration form above(Click to go to form)

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