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Marriage Preparation

How can I ever express the happiness of the marriage that is joined by the Church, strengthened by an offering, sealed by a blessing, announced by the angels, and ratified by the Father?

- Tertullian, (160-220 AD) in a letter to his wife

 

10 Steps to Get Married

  • Step 1. First 60 days: Contact your Parish

    Phase 1: First 60 days.

    1) Contact your parish to schedule your initial meeting with your priest preparing you for marriage. You are in a period of discernment and should refrain from setting a wedding date until the initial meeting with the priest is completed.

  • Step 2. Register for Engaged Encounter

    2) Register for an Engaged Encounter retreat* immediately to reserve your spot. The retreat is meant to offer greater discernment and should be completed at minimum 3 months before your wedding.

    *if you are getting a convalidation, re-marrying after an annulment or death, or have small children, you may sometimes do our hybrid experience as an exception. Please talk to your priest or marriage prep coordinator for options.

  • Step 3. Complete the FOCCUS Inventory

    3) Use the appropriate link below to register for the FOCCUS pre-marital inventory and each person completes it separately. After completion, call the parish to review your results.

    • FOCCUS (for most couples, except the below categories)
    • FOCCUS CONVALIDATION (for couples who are already civilly married, or have been living together, for more than 5 years)
    • REFOCCUS (for couples marrying after childbearing years, can also be used for previously married couples)

  • Step 4. Register for Fertility Awareness Intro Course

    4) Register for a required Fertility Awareness Introductory Session at lincolndiocese.org/fam. Choose one of the five fertility awareness methods.

  • Step 5. 3-6 months before: Attend Engaged Encounter

    Phase II: 3-6 months before wedding.

    5) Attend your Engaged Encounter retreat. Check-in with your priest if you have any questions or concerns after the retreat. (i.e. difficulties with church teaching, family planning, etc.)

  • Step 6. Choose a Mentor Couple

    6) Choose a mentor couple (optional but encouraged) if your parish is using Witness to Love, you will need to choose a mentor couple to meet with for six sessions. If your parish is not using Witness to Love, you may still do our hybrid experience. Go to witnesstolove.org/hybrid. Click “for couples” for details.

  • Step 7. 2 months before: Plan your Ceremony

    Phase III: 2 months before wedding

    7) Select your wedding readings and plan your rite of matrimony. Take the time to pray together as a couple.

  • Step 8. Go to Confession

    8) Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation if you are a Catholic. It is advised to go to confession before or after the wedding rehearsal.

  • Step 9. Get a Marriage License

    9) Apply for and obtain a marriage license at least two weeks prior to your wedding day.

  • Step 10. Celebrate your Marriage

    10) The celebration of the Rite of Matrimony. Congratulations!

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Documents for Marriage Preparation (Parish and Couple Resources)

  • Contact

    Contact

    Rachael Tvrdy
    Director-Office of Family Life and Discipleship

    Phone: 402-473-0621
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Administrative Assistant: Lori Weskamp
    Phone: 402-473-0620 
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Office of Family Life & Discipleship
    3700 Sheridan Blvd. Suite 7
    Lincoln, NE 68506
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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