2010 PreCana Dates

2010 Engaged Couples Guide

Marriage Preparation Registration Forms

You have made the decision to get married; you are making plans for your wedding day and those plans are important, but remember a wedding is a day; a marriage is a lifetime. The Catholic Church encourages you to take very seriously the time of preparation leading up to that day when you will enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony.

If you are not already doing so, be sure you attend Mass together as a couple. Look upon the Church as your friend and guide on your journey toward one of the most important days in your life; the day you will stand at the altar of God and commit your lives to each other.

Marriage preparation is a process which is designed to help you assess your readiness for marriage, encourage discussion between you and your future spouse, and assist in planning your wedding ceremony.

These are the 5 steps to getting married in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

1The Initial Interview

At your initial interview you will meet with the priest, deacon, or pastoral minister who will assist you in preparing for your wedding. At this meeting the following should be accomplished:

1. Your marriage application form and basic data sheet should be completed
2. The required documentation should be explained
   • Official record of Baptism
   • Proof of your freedom to marry
   • Wedding license (good for 60 days)
3. Your wedding date should be set in the parish calendar
4. You should receive guidelines and instructions for preparing your wedding ceremony
5. You should be given the web address to proceed with your marriage preparation program

2THE MARRIAGE INVENTORY

During this step of the marriage preparation process you are invited to participate in a FOCCUS marriage inventory. This assessment will help you to evaluate your relationship as a couple, recognize your strengths, and explore issues that require more discussion.

The FOCCUS assessment instrument is taken online after you have paid your marriage preparation fees and are sent a user id and password. When you have completed the assessment you will need to schedule a session with the priest, deacon or pastoral minister who is assisting you in your marriage preparation to discuss the results.

3THE FORMAL MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM

This step involves attending a formal marriage preparation program. This may be a one day PreCana program, a Weekend for the Engaged experience, a Re-marriage PreCana day or another approved marriage preparation program.

There is education and preparation for receiving all the sacraments of the faith. The same is true for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Presentations will be made by clergy, professionals, and married couples. You will then be given time to share your feelings on specific topics with your fiancé.

4THE OPTIONAL PRECANA WORKSHOPS

You are encouraged to attend three continuing education workshops designed to provide you some in-depth and practical ideas for how to live out the sacrament of marriage. The workshops cover three of the common problem areas in marriage: finances, sexuality and communication. Attendance is optional but the cost of all three workshops is covered in your PreCana fee.

5THE LITURGICAL PLANNING PROCESS

After completion of the formal marriage preparation program you will meet with the assisting priest or deacon to plan your wedding ceremony. It is important to remember that a wedding ceremony is a public commitment taking place within an act of worship. Your priest or deacon will assist you in choosing appropriate scripture readings and music selections for this sacred celebration.

6THE CELEBRATION OF THE WEDDING

The wedding rehearsal is generally scheduled the evening before the wedding. Those who have an active role in the ceremony are given the opportunity to make sure they know when and where they are to perform their responsibilities during the liturgy.

The celebration of the wedding itself is the final step in the process. Your big day is finally here, you have taken you preparation seriously and you are now ready for this important step in your life. Seek God’s help and guidance through prayer and enjoy this wonderful day with your friends and family

Pre-Cana Registration Forms

Please click on the link below for the Pre-Cana event you woud like to register for. The registration form will open in a new window.

Weekend PreCana Registration Form

One Day PreCana Registration Form

Re-Marriage PreCana Registration Form

FOCCUS Marriage Inventory Only Registration Form