Marriage Preparation

You are about to begin the journey of a lifetime in so many ways!

Preparing for the sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church should be a joyful journey. The marriage preparation process allows for spiritual growth within a couple while adding tremendous depth to the relationship. This process helps the couple realize how their relationship is entwined with God.

Marriage preparation in the Diocese of Austin is a Discernment Process that gives couples the opportunity to explore and discern their vocation of marriage by looking closely at their relationships with one another and with God.

1. Have an Initial Conversation with Priest or Deacon: Your parish is always the best choice for your marriage preparation. This is your spiritual community where your Sunday worship takes place, and where you will soon get support and resources. Schedule an appointment with a priest or a deacon in your parish to begin the marriage preparation process. He will help guide you through the process. This should begin at least 6-12 months before planning your wedding. 
2. Choose your mentor couple: You have a choice to pick a sacramentally married couple you admire to become your mentors, following the required criteria:

   • Practicing Catholics who are active in their Catholic faith

   • Have been married in the church for more than 5 years

   • Preferably go to the same parish as you

   • Not your immediate relative

3. Take a Pre-marital Assessment (Fully Engaged or Prepare-Enrich or FOCCUS): After meeting with your priest or deacon, you then take one of the relationship assessments available to you, Fully Engaged, Prepare-Enrich or FOCCUS. For more information about these assessments, click the links above.
4. Attend a Marriage Discernment Classes or Retreat: Check with your priest or deacon on the availability of this in your home parish. You may attend a similar retreat offered by the diocese only with the approval of your priest/deacon. The pre-marital assessment must be completed prior to the retreat.
5. Online Classes: In case you are not able to attend an in-person class, or the diocesan retreat, with the approval of your pastor you can take online discernment classes. The approved Online Marriage Prep Class is found at catholicmarriageprep.com, and at The Marriage Group. Please make sure when selecting the class of your preference to also select the NFP class provided by them or look for the other providers in the following number.
6. Take a Natural Family Planning (NFP) Course: An introduction to the NFP course is required, but a full method is preferred. Your parish may have either or both available to you. Click here to learn more about NFP.
7. Stay connected to your local parish: It is very important to have support in married life, and so it is particularly essential to stay in touch with your mentors and your local community. Your mentors serve as resources for many of your needs in the future. As you nurture your marriage and bond with each other, don't forget to strengthen your relationship with your parish community through your mentors. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Click HERE to download a copy of the steps toward sacramental marriage.

• For more information on upcoming Marriage Prep Retreats follow this link.
• For more information on upcoming Marriage Prep Nights follow this link.