Marriage Preparation Steps
Marriage preparation takes place within the local parish over a minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
The Archdiocese of Detroit Marriage Preparation process – Bold Beginnings – is broken into four stages that the couple and parish marriage preparation team journey together:
Stage 1: Discover
- The couple will first meet with the priest or deacon who will get to know them, complete the Pre-Nuptial Interview, and overview the marriage preparation process.
- The couple will view three online videos that will educate them about the Good News of Jesus Christ, the essentials of our Catholic faith, and the promises of our Catholic marriage vows.
- The couple will select a Mentor Couple to accompany them during their marriage preparation process.
Stage 2: Form
- The couple will be introduced to the parish at Mass for their prayers and support.
- The Mentor Couple will meet a number of times with the couple to complete workbook and discuss aspects of Catholic marriage and family life.
- A retreat experience will assist the couple to connect with each other in a deeper way. The couple will complete an introductory class to Natural Family Planning. Some parishes may elect to have the couple perform a Pre-Marriage Questionnaire.
Stage 3: Celebrate
- The couple is strongly encouraged to participate in Sacrament of Reconciliation before wedding day if not done so recently.
- The couple will meet with the wedding celebrant to finalize the liturgy planning and discuss newly married follow-up with the couple.
Stage 4: Live
- Support is extended to the couple as they embark on their early years of marriage together. The Mentor Couple and parish will follow-up with the newlywed couple during the first two years of marriage to invite the couple to participate in life of the parish community, connect with other couples, and attend marriage enrichment activities.
