Marriage
Preparation Outline for St. Francis of
1-7-2009
1. Initial meeting with
pastor[1]
a. Pastor
ascertains sacramental readiness of couple, including any impediments.
b. Pastor
asks for couple to provide applicable sacramental certificates.[2]
c. Pastor
interviews each separately to fill in the pre-nuptial investigation forms.
d. Each
of the couple must ask two persons to come in to meet with Fr. Burt and sign an
affidavit testifying that he or she is free to marry.
e. Couple receives and reviews Marriage Preparation
packet.
f. Couple
sets date. (If there is no impediment this date may be set at once.)
2. Couple
returns to take “FOCCUS” survey.
a. FOCCUS
is a series of questions that helps the couple see where potential problems may
arise in a marital relationship.
b. Survey
is a taken at the same time with each person in a separate room.
3. Second
meeting with Pastor.
a. The
data from FOCCUS is interpreted and the couple returns to meet with pastor to
discuss results. More meetings may be determined by pastor.
b. Instructions
and guidelines are given regarding musical and liturgical norms. Couple is
given “Together for Life” to help with planning the liturgy.
4. Couple
attends a pre-marriage program.
a. Diocesan
approved programs: Catholic Engaged Encounter; Catholic Charities; Christian
Marriage Formation; UNITAS; Marriage Mentoring, God’s Plan for a Joy Filled
Marriage,
b. Attached
is The Diocese of Richmond’s schedule for “Engaged Encounter” for 2009.
5. Couple
completes Natural Family Planning Class
a. Attached
is material from the Diocese on NFP, including a list of instructors.
b. St.
Francis does have an NFP instructor. If we can arrange for several couples to
attend together she may be able to host sessions here.
6. Couple
has another meeting with pastor [after
all the above is completed].
a. Any
issues that have arisen from FOCCUS, marriage preparation classes or NFP
classes are discussed.
b. If
a dispensation form is needed and not yet filled out, it is filled out at this
time.
c. Pastor
provides additional spiritual guidance.
7. The
Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged for the Catholic engaged
person(s).
8. Final
meeting with pastor
a. Liturgy
and music is discussed. Both must conform to liturgical mandates of the Church.
b. Details of liturgy finalized. Couple must bring a copy of their program showing the liturgy, readings, music, servers, etc. for pastor’s approval.
[1]The meeting may be first with the deacon. Time between interviews with pastor will vary depending on couples completion of pre-marital and NFP programs.
[2]Catholic must bring baptismal and confirmation
certificates. A baptized person brings a baptismal certificate or some
verification of baptism from their church, pastor or a witness to the baptism.