Congratulations on your Engagement!
As with all of the sacraments, preparation is essential if the sacrament is to have its full meaning and effect. The Marriage Preparation provides the opportunity for engaged couples to explore the meaning of a committed sacramental relationship and to explore strengths and limitations in a caring manner to solidify and deepen the future marriage relationship. As part of the preparation process, engaged couples have the option of attending a Marriage Preparation Conference, a Marriage Preparation Day, a Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend Retreat, or Marriage Preparation for Remarriage. Please choose one program that best fits your needs.
The number of registrations is limited for each Marriage Preparation date. We recommend that you register 6 months in advance of your wedding date. Marriage Preparations from January through June fill quickly and there are fewer Marriage Preparations in the summer. Register far enough in advance to avoid disappointment; it may not be possible to accommodate last minute registrations.
Financial Assistance and Payment Plans
Please contact Emily Burds, Associate Director of Marriage & Family Life, for more information. 414-758-2213 or [email protected]
For information other than financial assistance
Please contact Annette Basaldua at 414-758-2201 or [email protected]
Programs:
MARRIAGE PREPARATION DAYS
Marriage Preparation Days take place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and are hosted and planned by several of our parishes. Marriage Preparation Days include large group presentations and time for interaction between couples. The Marriage Preparation Days are a great option for couples who prefer large group presentations, and like to connect with smaller groups of couples in a parish near them. If one of you is unbaptized, not Catholic, or has been away from the Church, you’ll find the Marriage Preparation Day to be a good fit.
Cost: $125 per couple
(includes breakfast, lunch and all supplies)
MARRIAGE PREPARATION CONFERENCES
Marriage Preparation Conferences take place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at sites throughout the archdiocese. This large venue, conference-style program includes keynote speakers and a variety of workshops. The Marriage Preparation Conferences are great option for couples who enjoy meeting other couples, and the experience of a large conference. If one of you is unbaptized, not Catholic, or has been away from the Church, you’ll find the Marriage Preparation Conference to be a good fit.
Cost: $125 per couple
(includes breakfast, lunch and all supplies)
MARRIAGE PREPARATION FOR REMARRIAGE
Marriage Preparation for Remarriage takes place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and is designed for couples remarrying with the Church’s approval. Remarriage is a blessing, but can also be challenging! These days for remarrying couples are part of several of our Marriage Preparation Conferences, with special workshops offered by couples who have remarried and blended families.
Cost: $125 per couple
(includes breakfast, lunch and all supplies)
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKEND RETREAT
Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat away with other engaged couples with plenty of time alone together. An atmosphere is created for the two of you to concentrate exclusively on each other, free of the distractions of daily life and wedding preparations. There are no group dynamics. Instead, it is a quiet weekend designed to give the two of you the opportunity to talk honestly and intensively about your future together – an opportunity to discover a deeper appreciation of your relationship, and God’s call to unite in the Sacrament of Matrimony. Interfaith couples are very welcome to attend this weekend! This weekend is especially recommended for couples who are looking for the greatest opportunity to take their relationship to a new level spiritually.
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).
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.