In the hope of helping to build a solid foundation for an enriching life-long marriage, couples beginning immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Diocese of Davenport will participate in the following preparation activities:  

1. Initial personal interview with the priest, deacon or pastoral minister. Please contact your parish as soon as possible to arrange for this first visit. You will need to allow for at least 6 months to complete the immediate marriage preparation process.

2. Completion of an approved Premarital Inventory (set-up through your parish):

• FOCCUS/REFOCCUS

• PREPARE/ENRICH 

3. Follow-up meetings as determined by the parish minister.
 

4. Participation in a Marriage Preparation Instructional Program:

• Sponsor Couple (preferred option) - check with your parish

• Approved Diocesan Marriage or Remarriage Preparation Workshop - see dates below

• Approved On-line option (only under special circumstances) 

5. Participation in an approved Introductory Natural Family Planning Instruction:

Click here for a listing of free Introduction to NFP sessions.
Click here for a listing of NFP instructors, videos, and approved NFP online classes.

 6. Completion of the pre-nuptial investigation form (with parish minister).

7. Post-wedding couple contact plan.

Click here for a summary sheet of these requirements.

We pray that your time of marriage preparation will be filled with grace and growth!

The Sponsor Couple ministry for Marriage Preparation utilizes trained married couples meeting with engaged couples for 5-6 sessions.  This option is recommended for all couples: first marriages, for couples in which one or more of the individuals have been previously married,  and for civilly married couples preparing to recieve the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church. Contact your parish and asked to be paired with a local Sponsor Couple. 

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Typical Schedule: Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

In Person Worshop Fee: $150 per couple - covers morning hospitality, books, materials, lunch, dinner and Introduction to Natural Family Instruction

Virtual Workshop Fee: $75 per couple - covers  books, materials,  and Introduction to Natural Family Instruction


2023 Dates

March 25: In Person - St. John Vianney, Bettendorf, Registration deadline March 17

May 20: In Person - St. John Vianney, Bettendorf, Registration deadline May 12

August 5: In Person - St. Alphonsus, Mt. Pleasant, Registration deadline July 28 

October 7: In Person - St. Mary, Pella, Registration deadline September 29


Click here to register.


For information contact Marianne Agnoli 563-888-4242  [email protected] or Colleen Darland [email protected]

The Diocese of Davenport and Archdiocese of Dubuque offer this marriage preparation program to meet the unique needs of couples in which one or both of the individuals have been previously married. We use the Two Become One... Embracing The Sacrament In Remarriage as our program guide. 

Typical in person schedule: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Typical virtual schedule:  Saturday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

Fee: Varies by location and format  ($50 - $100 per couple) - covers all books, materials and in person meals.   Does not include lodging.

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Cedar Falls, Iowa -  Information & Registration
2022-2023 Promotional Flyer with Paper Registration Form for In Person Workshop 


Contact Marianne Agnoli 563-888-4242 [email protected] or
Colleen Darland 563-888-4391 [email protected] for questions.

This online program option is reserved for couples experiencing special circumstances and requires parish approval and follow-up.  The program includes a premarital inventory (Catholic Couple Checkup), NFP Life - an introduction to Natural Family Planning, His and Her's downloadable discussion guides, and more. The course also offers captioning in English and Spanish, for those who are hard of hearing or have English as a second language.

The online class fee is $195 per couple. A discount is available by request for military couples. 
To register go to: https://themarriagegroup.com/courses/living-our-faith-in-love/

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This online program option is reserved for couples experiencing special circumstances and requires parish approval and follow-up. This program offers one-on-one instruction with a certified instructor couple, and is to be completed in three weeks to three months. Online worksheets foster conversation between the couple, and are followed up with personalized feedback from their instructors. The course covers the theology behind NFP, but it does NOT include an actual NFP Introduction Instruction. Instruction available in English, Spanish & French. 

The online class fee is $194 per couple. A discount is available by request  for military couples. 
Couples in a rush (less than three weeks) may sign up for the Urgent Care Option- $245  
To register go to: https://www.catholicmarriageprep.com/courses-info
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Diocesan Marriage Preparation: Policies and Procedures - Access the policy.