COVID-19 UPDATE (as of July 2020)
In light of the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, the in-person Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Conferences in English have been cancelled until March 2021 at which time we will reevaluate our in-person events with the hope of returning to them in early spring 2021. Until then, the Office of Marriage and Family Life invites couples to participate in our newly created online version of marriage preparation. This is available to couples who need to participate in an Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Conference before March 2021. This conference includes the full NFP workshop that engaged couples are invited to attend as Step 3 of their Marriage Prep, as indicated on the Archdiocesan Marriage Prep timeline found here.
For those couples who can participate in marriage preparation after March 2021, we ask that they wait for further updates on when we'll be returning to in-person conferences. Please contact, or have a couple you're working with contact, Emily Burds ([email protected]) for further questions.
Marriage Preparation Conferences in Spanish will still take place on the same dates but will be done virtually through Zoom. Register here.
We realize this is a heart-breaking time for so many engaged couples whose wedding plans have been significantly altered. We will pray for the peace of all the couples and those walking with them in their preparation.
Congratulations on your Engagement!
Welcome to the online registration for the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee Marriage Preparation.
Right now, you’re probably thinking about your reception, dress, and invitations. You want your wedding to be beautiful and perfect – and we do too! The beauty you’re hoping for points to a hope much deeper – a joy-filled, solid marriage. Your engagement is not only a time for planning your wedding, but a time during which you build the foundation for a lifelong marriage rooted in Jesus. In a world where so much seems temporary, the Church is here to help you prepare for a lasting marriage, one that is fully open to all the grace and blessings God wants to give you through this sacrament. Don’t miss out on knowing all the things God wants you to know about building an excellent marriage!
WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT?
Once you have connected with the parish where you will be getting married, you will be invited into the parish’s process for preparation which will include your participation in one Archdiocesan marriage preparation program. This day-long or weekend-long experience (detailed below) will give you the opportunity to encounter dynamic married couples who will share about the meaning of marriage, praying as a couple, and the powerful gift of sexuality and offer tips for a healthy marriage. Regardless of your faith or background, you are welcome at any of these preparation experiences. You will choose one program that best suits your needs as a couple. Please see descriptions and dates below.
WHEN SHOULD I SIGN UP?
Like all good things in life, preparing for marriage takes time! We recommend you register at least six months in advance of your wedding date if possible. Our retreats fill up fast, so register now to reserve your space.
Please be aware that there is a $10.00 cancellation fee for the one day program and $60 cancellation fee for the weekend retreat. There is no charge to reschedule.
CONNECT WITH US
Financial Assistance and Payment Plans
Please contact Emily Burds, Associate Director of the Office for Marriage & Family Life, for more information. 414-758-2213 or [email protected]
Registration Questions (rescheduling, registration errors, etc.)
Please contact Merridith Frediani at 414-758-2201 or fredianim@archmil.org
2020 Marriage Preparation Options:
COVID-19 UPDATE: The Marriage Preparation Conference is online until further notice. This conference includes the full NFP workshop that engaged couples are invited to attend as Step 3 of their Marriage Prep, as indicated on the Archdiocesan Marriage Prep timeline found here. Please register for the online version of marriage preparation here.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION CONFERENCES
Marriage Preparation Conferences take place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m and are run by a team of dynamic married couples. This retreat-style day gives you a chance to slow down, enter into intentional conversations about your relationship, pray together, learn about the sacrament of marriage, eat great food, and so much more.
Cost: $125 per couple (includes breakfast, lunch and all supplies)
January 11 | Schoenstatt Retreat Center, Waukesha
February 15 | Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center, Milwaukee
March 7 | Holy Family Parish, Fond du Lac
March 21 | Cancelled
May 2 | Cancelled
June 6 | Cancelled
July 18 | Cancelled
August 15 | Cancelled
September 19 | Cancelled
October 24 | Cancelled
November 21 | Cancelled
While we try to accept as many couples as possible for each conference, due to space restrictions when a conference fills up, we are unable to add additional couples. We regret the inconvenience this may cause.
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKEND RETREAT
Catholic Engaged Encounter is a quiet weekend retreat with other engaged couples with plenty of time to talk honestly and intensively as a couple about your future together – an opportunity to discover a deeper appreciation of your relationship and the Sacrament of Matrimony. This weekend is especially recommended for couples who are looking to take their relationship to a new level spiritually. The retreat begins on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., and concludes Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Sunday Mass will be celebrated.
Cost: $250 per couple (includes all materials, five meals and overnight lodging in shared rooms. Brides will share rooms with other brides, and grooms with other grooms)
May 1-3 | Cancelled
November 14-15 | The Catholic Engaged Encounter Retreat for November 2020 is now virtual. Sign up here: www.jolietee.org. Contact John and Louise Vos ([email protected]) for the cost for the virtual weekend.