Marriage Education Programs
To fulfill the educational portion of your marriage preparation, you and your fiancé must attend a Pre-Cana Day, the Sponsor Couple program or some other diocesan-approved marriage education program. This is determined with your pastor.
Sponsor Couple
Sponsor Couple is a couple-to-couple marriage preparation ministry between married and engaged couples. The sponsor couple or mentor couple assists the engaged couple in reflecting on the reality of married life. Topics covered include the sacrament of marriage, family of origin, communication, finances, love and sexuality and parenting. Ask your pastor to find out if this program is offered in your parish.
Pre-Cana Day
Pre-Cana Day is a one-day retreat for engaged couples to spend time together reflecting on their relationship and future marriage. Married couples present talks on topics such as the sacrament of marriage, communication, finances, love and sexuality and parenting.
Pre-Cana Day ScheduleConvalidation Classes
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (outside the Catholic Church) and wish to have a sacramental marriage within the Church. The Church requires that a baptized Roman Catholic marry before a priest or deacon unless he or she received a dispensation (permission) from the Church beforehand.
When a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not recognized by the Church. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage convalidated (recognized) are asked to attend a special marriage preparation program (convalidation class), complete marriage paperwork and have vows witnessed by a priest or deacon. Please call your pastor for further assistance.