Marriage preparation requires a minimum of 6 months. Both parties must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office to begin the process.
Saint Anthony Catholic Church recognizes the importance of supporting, educating, and preparing engaged couples that are seeking the sacrament of Marriage. The preparation calls the couple to live by the Gospel and to experience the presence of Jesus in their married life. They are encouraged to be involved in the life of the parish for continued support and growth in their married life.
Marriage preparation consists of the following steps:
- The instrument of preparation called "FOCCUS" - Facilitating Open Couple Communication and Understanding through Study.
- Meeting with Marriage Sponsor Couples, parish members who are committed to the vocation of marriage and chosen by the pastor. They share their own personal experiences with the engaged couple and encourage communication and prayer. They provide a familiar presence in the church parish for a newly married couple and someone to whom the couple can ask questions concerning Christian married life.
- The couple must participate in an Engaged Encounter Weekend. The weekend retreat encourages the couple to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life and permit time for each other allowing God to be present in their relationship.
- The couple must also complete the Natural Family Planning Course.
Upon completion of Marriage Preparation, the couple will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Note: Weddings must be scheduled 6 months in advance.