Formation for Holy Matrimony

(9-12 months before your wedding)

Call as soon as you get engaged! A member of the parish staff will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your wedding preparations as soon as possible.

(9 months before your wedding)

At this meeting with the priest you’ll learn about the formation process for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the necessary paperwork for your marriage. You will also set your tentative wedding date.

(7-8 months before your wedding)

The Prepare Enrich for FOCCUS couple assessment provides you with a personalized profile of your relationship. Your parish will set this up for you, and upon completion, the parish pastor or staff will help you schedule the follow-up session to review your results.

(7-8 months before your wedding)

You will be asked to choose your own mentor couple who will accompany you during your formation and throughout your first years of marriage using the Witness to Love model. You will have several meetings with them leading up to your wedding, and they will continue to be a support to you in the years to come!

(6-7 months before your wedding)

The Three to Get Married retreat weekend will be an opportunity for you to grow closer to Jesus Christ and to one another. You will build on the topics you have discussed with your pastor and mentor couple, with a special focus on the theology of Catholic marriage and other teachings of our Catholic faith. To see the schedule of upcoming retreats please visit: www.stphilipinstitute.org/familylife.

(5-6 months before your wedding)

NFP and Fertility Awareness Based Methods respect the love-giving and life-giving purposes of marriage and can enrich the bond between husband and wife. This course gives couples a holistic approach to understanding the cycles of fertility and infertility, and how ovulation is a vital sign of health for women. For more information and to see a schedule of live and online course listings please visit: www. stphilipinstitute.org/nfp

(2 months before your wedding)

This meeting will review your previous formation, complete all your paperwork, and plan your wedding liturgy. You’re getting close to celebrating this beautiful sacrament!

(1 week before your wedding)

Catholics preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Reconciliation and the Eucharist are invaluable sources of grace and healing. Celebrate this sacrament with your spouse-to-be!