"Take A Moment For Marriage:" - Helpful Tip Brochure on Marriage Preparation in PDF Format - Download : Page One - Page Two Initiative for Marriage: What Have You Done for Your Marriage Today? - National Website for Marriage and Family Life
"Marriage is not, then, the effect of chance or the product of evolution of unconscious natural forces; it is the wise institution of the Creator to realize in mankind His design of love. By means of the reciprocal personal gift of self, proper and exclusive to them, husband and wife tend towards the communion of their beings in view of mutual personal perfection, to collaborate with God in the generation and education of new lives." (Of Human Life, 8)	Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage Engagement is not merely the time spent preparing for a wedding; it is a time of discernment for those planning a Christian marriage. It provides time to examine the meaning of responsible and mature love. With God's fidelity as a model of unconditional love, it is a time to consider your readiness to make that same commitment to another. Engagement is a time of excitement and preparation for a particular and very important day. The importance of this day is based on the commitment of each of you to each other forever, before God and man. The purpose of marriage is to build a unique friendship and love between spouses. The richness of your relationship will have a positive impact not only on your lives but also on the lives of all around you and through this love you will be able to provide a nurturing environment for children to grow.
"Sealed by mutual faithfulness and hallowed above all by Christ's sacrament, this love remains steadfastly true in body and in mind, in bright days or dark. It will never be profaned by adultery of divorce. Firmly established by the Lord, the unity of marriage will radiate from the equal personal dignity of wife and husband, a dignity acknowledged by mutual and total love." (Gaudium et Spes, 49) "The spouses thereby help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and by the rearing and education of their children. And so, in their state and way of life, they have their own special gift among the People of God. For from the wedlock of Christians there comes the family, in which new citizens of human society are born. By the grace of the Holy Spirit received in baptism these are made children of God, thus perpetuating the People of God through the centuries. The family is, so to speak, the domestic Church. In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 11)	Marriage Preparation Process Marriage preparation constitutes a providential and favorable period for those oriented toward this Christian sacrament, and a period in which God calls upon the engaged and helps them discern the vocation to marriage and family life. (Pontifical Council for the Family) Guidelines for Marriage Preparation Diocese of Burlington -- 2007 Couples planning a wedding should not set dates for their wedding or reception before contacting the parish. Arrangements for a wedding must be at least three months prior to the date. There are then three major components to marriage preparation: FOCCUS: The first component is a pre-marriage inventory, which is an essential part of marriage preparation. This is not a compatibility test but rather an instrument that assists and encourages couple communication. Information and materials for the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) inventory are to be given to the couple at the first meeting with the priest. The administrator of the inventory sends the completed answer sheets to the Marriage, Family, and Respect Life Ministries Office for processing. Results are returned to the FOCCUS facilitator within a week. Another appointment is made with the couple to review the results. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: The second component is a marriage preparation program, which is required of all couples planning a wedding. Click here to read our brochure titled "Preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony" The programs available in Vermont are: a. Pre Cana – a series of classes presented by married couples and covering a variety of issues. Click for Pre-Cana News in Vermont, including information on the sessions closest to you and for dates available. b. Engaged Encounter - a weekend program c. Mentor Couple Programs - a program between one married couple and one engaged couple (this program is only offered in a few parishes, check with your parish for availability) d. Preparation for Second Marriages - Pre Cana II - if one or both of you is bringing children into the marriage or are marrying for the second time, you deserve special attention. This program is for you. Check here for upcoming schedules or e-mail for information on class dates and places Pre Cana III - if you are already married and are in the process of having your marriage blessed you probably don't need the same program as those entering into a new marriage. This program is the preparation for you which will enrich your marriage as you prepare for the Sacrament of marriage. Information on these programs is given to the couple at their first meeting with the priest. Registration for a particular program is the responsibility of the couple and should be made as early as possible by connecting with the contact person listed. The third component of marriage preparation is a series of meetings with the parish priest or with the priest or deacon who will be officiating at the wedding. At these meetings the required paper work for the wedding is completed, dispensations (if applicable) are applied for, and plans for the wedding liturgy are discussed including choices of music and arrangements for rehearsal. If it is an interfaith marriage, additional meetings with the priest are arranged.

Please register early for the above programs. They fill up quickly.