Planning Your Wedding

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Canon law states that the preparation of individual couples planning marriage is far more important today than in the past. This preparation involves several elements.

• The first is the determination that both parties are ready for marriage. This must be considered from the point of view of the resources of the parties in light of the demands placed on married persons in contemporary society. Some form of pre-marital inventory tool can be helpful as a starting point in determining fitness for marriage. Since ore maturity is required for a successful marriage today than in the past, it follows that the psychological and emotional requirements are raised as well.
• Secondly, the parties' understanding of the commitment to sacramental marriage must be assessed as well as their willingness to live out the implications of this commitment.
• Thirdly, Christian marriage is a sacrament and a vocation, the parties should then be led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of their role in fostering the well being and growth of the Christian Community. this will include worship, service to the community and, most important, the example of a well-ordered Christian Life.
• Lastly, preparation involves diocesan-wide programs utilizing the talents of priests, deacons, lay married couples, religious and professionally trained counselors. It involves the necessary dynamic of guided interpersonal communication with the parties as well as group presentations and discussions.