Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage begins at least 6 months prior to the wedding date.  Requirements for marriage preparation include:

• Meetings with the pastor or pastoral minister
• Attendance at Engaged Encounter Weekend or Archdiocesan Pre-Cana Program
• Completion of the FOCCUS questionnaire
• Liturgy Planning

The purpose of this instrument is to assist couples to prepare for a healthy marriage by communicating about issues which may not have been considered beforehand.  Following an initial consultation with the pastor or pastoral minister, engaged couples are asked to complete a standardized confidential questionnaire called FOCCUS.  The engaged couple then meets with a married couple from the parish who are trained in facilitating discussion around the topics covered in the FOCCUS questionnaire.

FOCCUS facilitating couples are parishioners who

• have an interest in sharing their faith as they experience it in married life
• have a healthy relationship and have been married for at least five years
• have been invited by the parish pastoral staff to participate in this ministry
• have completed basic FOCCUS training

To schedule marriage preparation or inquire about becoming a FOCCUS couple, please contact the Parish Office 321-1207