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New Diocesan Marriage Preparation: Policies and Procedures
The new diocesan marriage preparation policies were promulgated on December 30, 2016 and will apply to all couples who begin marriage preparation in the diocese after December 31, 2016. The new policy is now available on the diocesan website. -
Pope Francis' Reflection on Engagement
and Preparing for Marriage
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In our catechesis on marriage and the family, today we reflect on the importance of engagement as a preparation for marriage. The word "engagement” itself speaks of entrustment and commitment. Engagement is a time when couples come to know one another better in planning for the beautiful yet demanding enterprise of marriage. Love itself demands this preparation, which makes possible a free, generous and sober decision to enter into a life-long covenant of love. For this reason the Church stresses the importance of the period of engagement by offering courses of marriage preparation. With the help of Christian married couples, fiancés are challenged to reflect together on their love, their future and the importance of faith and prayer in the life they are about to share. Let us pray for young people looking forward to marriage, that they will prepare for the wedding day not in a worldly or banal way, but with the wisdom, hope and joy born of their faith in Christ.
English Summary of Pope Francis’ General Audience Address – May 27, 2015Click here to find out what else Pope Francis has to say to engaged couples!
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Marriage Preparation Requirements
In the hope of helping to build a solid foundation for an enriching life-long marriage, engaged couples beginning 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 marriage preparation process.
2. Completion of an approved Premarital Inventory:- FOCCUS/REFOCCUS
- PREPARE/ENRICH
3. Follow-up meetings as determined by the minister.
4. Participation in a Marriage Preparation Instructional Program:- Sponsor Couple (preferred option) - check with your parish
- Approved Diocesan Marriage Preparation Day/Weekend - see dates below
- Approved On-line option (only under special circumstance – requires parish approval)
5. Participation in an approved Introductory Natural Family Planning Instruction:Click here for a listing of NFP instructors, videos, and approved NFP online classes.
6. Completion of the pre-nuptial investigation form.
7. Post-wedding couple contact plan.
Click here for a summary sheet of these requirements.
We pray that this will be a time of grace as you prepare for your marriage! -
Sponsor Couples
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Diocesan Weekend and 1-Day Programs
The One Day schedule meets:
Saturday, 8 am - 9 pm
The Weekend Schedule meets:
Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Fee: $150 per couple - covers books and materials plus all meals for the one day format and breakfasts and lunches for the weekend format. Does not include lodging.
2017 DatesOne Day, October 7: Muscatine, Ss. Mary & Mathias, registration deadline September 29
2018 Dates
One Day, February 17: Bettendorf, St. John Vianney, registration deadline February 9
One Day, April 21: Bettendorf, St. John Vianney, registration deadline April 13
Additional dates and locations to be determined.
Click here to register for the Weekend and One-Day sessions.
For information contact Marianne Agnoli 563-888-4242 agnolim@davenportdiocese.org.or Barb Butterworth 563-324-1911 butterworthb@davenportdiocese.org -
Marriage Preparation Online
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) and discounted instruction in Natural Family Planning (including a certificate of completion).
To register and have access to the online class go to http://www.catholicmarriageprepclass.com
The online class fee is $195 per couple (as of 2/15/17).
with engaged couples for five sessions, using "For Better and For Ever" by Rev. Robert Ruhnke, C.S.S.R. If you would like to schedule a sponsor couple in your area, please contact your parish.