Newly Engaged - archden.org

Newly Engaged

Dear Newly Engaged Couple,

Congratulations on your engagement! It brings me great joy to see couples commit themselves to each other in marriage and it fills me with hope.

The process of engagement is one of discovery and preparation that is meant to help you build a solid foundation for your marriage, so that it lasts a lifetime.

For that reason, the Church has developed a set of classes to teach you about the joys and challenges of marriage as Christ intended it. These classes will explore the meaning and purpose of marriage, the gift of sexuality, natural family planning and provide you with tools to ensure a healthy, joy-filled marriage.

Before this preparation begins, I encourage you as your spiritual father to make your personal relationship with Christ the foundation of your relationship as a couple. If you love Christ, you will love each other better. And if you love each other well, your marriage will be a happy, joyful witness to the world.

May God the Father bless you during this time of preparation and fill you with his love, and may the Blessed Mother help you grow in intimacy with her son!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L.

1. CALL YOUR PARISH

(8-12 months before the wedding) Call as soon as you get engaged! It is important to meet with your priest or deacon even before setting a date. A member of the parish staff will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your wedding preparations as soon as possible.

2. INITIAL MEETING

(8 months before the wedding) At this meeting, you’ll learn about the preparation process for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, begin the necessary paperwork for your marriage file, and set your tentative wedding date. The initial meetings with a priest or deacon will ensure that there is nothing standing in the way of a wedding in the Church. These initial meetings also begin the process of creating a marriage file, which is a record of everything that was done during marriage preparation.

3. FOCCUS Inventory

(7-8 months before the wedding) The FOCCUS Inventory provides you with a personalized profile of your relationship. Your parish will set up your inventory session and, upon completion, the follow-up sessions needed to review your results. These sessions aim to facilitate communication between you and your future spouse. *Note: Some parishes use inventories other than FOCCUS

4. Marriage Prep Program

(6 months before the wedding) Various programs are available within the Archdiocese, all of which focus on the theology of Catholic marriage as well as important life skills. You’ll receive help identifying a prep program that best fits your needs. If your parish doesn’t offer a program, see the list of “Marriage Preparation Classes” found here.

5. Natural Family Planning

(5 months before the wedding) NFP respects the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, and enriches the bond between husband and wife. This course gives couples a natural approach to understanding the cycles of fertility and infertility. Course listings found here.

6. Final Meeting

(2 months before the wedding) This meeting will review your previous preparation, complete all of your paperwork, and plan your wedding liturgy. You’re getting close to celebrating this beautiful sacrament!
*Note: If you are getting married outside the Archdiocese of Denver, then the completed marriage file will have to be submitted by the parish who is preparing you to the Archdiocese of Denver one month prior to the wedding date (two months prior for a wedding outside the United States). The Archdiocese of Denver will review the marriage file to ensure it is complete and will forward the file to the place of the wedding.

7. Reconciliation

(1 week before the wedding) Catholics preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony  are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Reconciliation and the Eucharist are invaluable sources of grace and healing. Celebrate this sacrament with your spouse-to-be!

Marriages in which the partners do not share the same religious beliefs and affiliations are considered “mixed” marriages, or ecumenical marriages. If the couple is a Catholic and a non-Christian, the marriage is considered interfaith. Mixed marriages also include marriages in which the non-Catholic party has no religious persuasion. We know that ecumenical families are not identical; their lifestyles and faith choices are varied. The Catholic Church does try to support these couples to help them prepare to meet faith challenges with a spirit of holiness. Mixed religion couples can live out Christ’s call to be one and often experience a level of ecumenism more acutely.

For couples who are preparing for marriage, good-quality marriage preparation is essential in helping couples work through the questions and challenges that will arise after they marry, specifically those in regard to raising children.

Baptized Catholics are required to marry according to “canonical form,” that is, in Catholic ceremonies. Normally, a mixed marriage is celebrated by a priest outside of Mass because both spouses so not share full communion with the Church. At times, serious reasons may present obstacles to observing the “canonical form” of marriage. In these cases, the Catholic spouse should seek a Dispensation From Form (permission to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony). The Church cannot recognize a non-Catholic ceremony, involving a Catholic party, without a dispensation. Subsequently, marrying according to canonical form (convalidation) remains possible for Catholics in this situation, even many years after a non-Catholic wedding. See your parish priest or deacon for more information.

See also: Interfaith-marriages

Please consult your parish before you register for a marriage preparation course.

There are various programs available to you within the Archdiocese, all of which focus on the theology of Catholic marriage as well as important life skills. Through your parish, you will receive help in identifying a marriage preparation program that best fits your needs. These programs are available on weekdays, weekends, and, if needed, online. Find the format that works best for your engagement.

Note: Completing one of these courses (or a different program available through your parish) fulfills the marriage preparation step #4 of enrolling in a marriage preparation program. Review our “Preparation for Holy Matrimony” brochure for more information.

Weekday Courses

God’s Plan for Marriage Prep Program

These seminars explore God’s divine plan for marriage and also focus on how couples can build a strong foundation for their marriage. These classes meet on Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM at St. Catherine of Siena parish.

Location: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Denver
Day/Time: Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm – 9:30pm
Session Dates:
- 2021 January 7, 14, 21, 28
- 2021 February 4, 11, 18, 25
- 2021 March 4, 11, 18, 25
- 2021 May 6, 13, 20, 27
- 2021 June 3, 10, 17, 24
- 2021 August 5, 12, 19, 26
- 2021 September 2, 9, 16, 23
- 2021 October 7, 14, 21, 28
Registration: Call 720-212-8303 or
email coleman.colin@gmail.com
Cost: $180 (This includes study materials)
To Pay:
Send check/money order to:
Dcn. Colin Coleman – 4200 Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80211
In the memo, write the “marriage seminar” and the month that you have selected. You will be sent a confirmation of registration by email.
Or:
Zelle or Apple Pay is also available:
Email coleman.colin@gmail.com for details, if this is your preferred method of payment.

Catholic Marriage Prep. Com – Live Classes

This program is taught by married couples, based on JPII’s Theology of the Body, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. This class has four evening sessions.

Location: St. John Paul II Center – Denver (1300 S. Steele St, Denver, CO, 80210)
Time: 6:30-9:00pm
Session Dates:
- 2021 May 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wed)
- 2021 October 5, 12, 19, 26 (Tues)
Cost: $185
More information: 719-531-0738 or 800-208-1364
To register for the live program: www.catholicmarriageprep.com

Weekend Retreats/Intensive Courses

“And the Two Shall Become One Flesh” – St. Mary (Littleton)

This weekend retreat is an opportunity for engaged couples to grow in their understanding and appreciation of God’s plan for happiness in marriage. The weekend provides dynamic presentations on various topics regarding Holy Matrimony, God’s intentions for our human sexuality, the meaning and impact of authentic spousal love, and how to manage the basic components of married life together.

There will be an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and we will attend Mass on Sunday morning, followed by a brunch to conclude the retreat hosted by families in our Families of Bethany ministry.

Location: St. Mary (6853 S. Prince Street Littleton, CO 80120)
Dates: 2021 TBD
Sessions:
- Friday 6:00pm-9:30pm
- Saturday 8:00am-4:30pm
- Sunday 8:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $180 per couple (includes 5 meals and materials)
More information and registration: https://www.stmarylittleton.org/sacraments/marriage-retreat/

Engaged Couples Retreat

This retreat is held Friday evening and all-day Saturday. It is based on St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” It is led by Msgr. Leone and infused with his unique insight into married couples’ dynamic relationships. There are also presentations by married couples and ample time to discuss the Sacrament of Marriage with each other and other engaged couples. There is an opportunity for both Reconciliation and Mass.

Location: Risen Christ Church Hall

Date: 2021 April 23-24

Cost: $180 per couple (includes 3 meals and materials)

More information: contact Sally Hillen at 303-929-2275

Registration: engagedcouplesretreat.com

Marriage-Builder Weekend – Light of the World

This weekend is an engaging mix of practical, spiritual, and theological presentations based on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the teachings of the Catholic Church. This course will be led by a team of married couples and a priest. Presentations are followed by group breakout sessions or time together as a couple. These activities are intended to apply what you have learned from the presentations to your own lives.

Location: Light of the World Catholic Church, Littleton
Dates:
- 2021 January 22-23 ***FULL***
- 2021 April 23-24 ***LIVE & in person
Call: 303-973-3969 x244 (Sherwood Owens)
More Information: Marriage Builder Weekend brochure
Cost: $150 per couple (includes materials and meals)
**In light of the Covid-19 virus we will maintain social distancing with a maximum of 20 couples on our LIVE weekend. It will not be via teleconference. Friday will be from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday will be from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. We are going to ask that all couples wear masks when engaging with others. Your fee will cover all materials and food for the weekend. Click on the registration form and send it in.

St. Thomas More Marriage Prep Retreat

This weekend experience will allow couples preparing for marriage to fully understand the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church. Couples will enjoy engaging presentations on topics related to God’s plan for marriage and receive fundamental tools for building and sustaining a Christ-centered marriage.

Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Centennial
Dates:
- TBD

Catholic Engaged Encounter

This weekend experience allows the engaged couples to identify and discuss several important topics to prepare for a healthy, Christ-centered marriage. The weekend retreat offers a deeper connection between the engaged couple while considering the needs and uniqueness of your particular relationship.

Location: St. John Paul II Center – Denver (1300 S. Steele St, Denver, CO, 80210)
Dates:
- TBD
Cost: $350 per couple (includes lodging, meals & materials)
Register: www.denvercee.org
For more information: Dan & Abby DeGennaro 303-898-1257

Online Courses

Catholic Marriage Prep.Com – Online Program

With pastor approval, this program is available to couples who need the flexibility of an online program. It is based on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The course requires a minimum of 20 hours of active work. It is usually completed in three to six weeks. It must be completed within three months maximum. There is a total of 9 assignments. You will be paired with an instructor couple.

In special cases only, the course can be completed in less than three weeks. In these cases couples will have to sign up for our Urgent Care program (Cost: $245). This program allows engaged couples to expedite their worksheet processing. The course still takes a minimum of FIVE days to complete and is dependent on instructors’ availability. Note that instructors will not work on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

The course covers the theology behind NFP, but does NOT include an actual NFP course.

Cost: $194 (scholarships available based on financial need)
More information: 800-208-1364
To register for the online program: www.catholicmarriageprep.com

Joy-Filled Marriage Online Certification Course (Ascension Press)
(This course requires pastor approval before you register.)

This online self-paced course offers a comprehensive approach to marriage preparation that covers not only the sacramentality and theology of marriage, but the practical life skills necessary to live out the rich Catholic vision of marriage.

This program incorporates a three-stage approach:

Learning Stage: Couples learn sound principles and a fresh, virtue-based approach to life skills, as well as the Catholic vision of marriage and the beautiful and significant gift of sexuality.
Discuss and Discover Stage: Through a variety of focused questions and activities, couples discuss their relationships, learn about themselves, and begin applying what they have learned.
Plan and Build Stage: Couples recognize topics they may need to discuss at a later date, identify shared goals, and set a unified vision to build a joy-filled marriage. All this is captured in one wonderful keepsake, the Couple’s Journal.

This program will help participants:

Appreciate what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage, and why
Embrace the gift of grace that makes a lifelong, joy-filled marriage possible
Explore important topics, identify shared goals, and set concrete plans to build a joy-filled marriage

At the end of the course, couples will receive a certificate with a serial number that they can forward or print for the parish records.

Registration for English course: ascensionpress.com/collections/joy-filled-marriage#certification
Registration for Spanish course: ascensionpress.com/collections/joy-filled-marriage-spanish/products/curso-de-certificacion-un-matrimonio-lleno-de-alegria-habilidades-de-vida-y-plan-de-dios-combinados
Fee: $50

Couples should contact their parish to begin marriage preparation prior to taking this course.

Couples must register for the combined course.

Beloved: Finding Happiness in Marriage, Certification Course (Augustine Institute)
(This course requires pastor approval before you register.)

In 12 stunning sessions, BELOVED uncovers the mystery and the meaning of the sacrament of marriage. They have been carefully designed to help you as a couple to discover the key role you play in one of God’s most cherished institutions. You will explore the profound importance, meaning, purpose, and beauty of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Using the tools of Scripture and Church teaching, you and your future spouse will learn to craft a sturdy, Christ-centered relationship, designed to weather life’s storms and to draw each other deeper into God’s love.

Each session of the course will consist of a video followed by a series of questions for you to answer. Each video is around 30-40 minutes in length and the questions that follow will test your understanding of what you have learned. You will also have access to the Couple’s Preparation Guide that will also guide you through the session and provides additional materials such as prayer, and outline of the video, and discussion and reflection questions and a suggested activity for you and your fiancée. After you’ve completed all 12 sessions and quizzes, you will receive a certificate of completion as a parish record.

Beloved Bundle includes:

The Mystery and Meaning in Marriage
Does Marriage Matter?
Entering the Story of Marriage
Love Revealed
The Total Gift of Self
A Sacramental Bond
Real Challenges, Real Love
Living Marriage
Christ at the Center
A Deeper Unity
Conflict & Communication
Building a Thriving Marriage
Protecting the Bond
Sexuality & Authentic Love

Couples should contact their parish to begin marriage preparation prior to taking this course.

Beloved Bundle (English) Registration

Amado Bundle (Spanish) Registration

Fee: $59.90 (couple)