Marriage Preparation

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. This is a time of great joy. We know that you must be nervous so we would like to help you be very well prepared. We hope to be able to answer any questions as you begin your preparation.

As you know, marriage is a sacrament and is, therefore, a great concern of the church. The sacrament of marriage provides the necessary grace to couples to make their marriage last a life time. You will find that your married life goes through many stages. We hope to prepare you for each of these stages.

In the Diocese of Gaylord the regulations stipulate that a couple is to arrange an appointment with their pastor/parish life coordinator at least six months in advance.The pastor/parish life coordinator will have brochures for registration to the diocesan PreCana Sessions. At this meeting, the pastor will consult forms provided by the diocesan tribunal which indicate whether or not dispensations are required. If dispensations are needed, more time may be required. Marriage preparation should begin as soon as the couple have met with the pastor/parish life coordinator.

The Diocese provides marriage preparation through Pre Cana sessions which consist of two full days. The fall upcoming sessions are:

2010 Dates:

February 6 and March 6 at St. Michael Parish, Suttons Bay.

February 13 and March 13 at St. Mary, Mio.

February 20 and March 20 at Holy Family, East Tawas.

October 2 and November 6 at St. Ann, Cadillac.

October 9 and November 13 at Holy Rosary, Cedar.

October 16 and November 20 at St. Mary of the Woods, Kalkaska.

Check with your parish or your pastor to register for these sessions.

The program that is used is called Today and All the Days of Your Life and was designed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. It is published by Liguori Publications. The topics presented are: Sacrament of Marriage; Family of Origin; Romance, Disillusionment, & Joy; Sex and Sexuality; Communication with God and Each Other; Stewardship and Your Finances; Planning & Parenting of Children; and I Promise to Love and Honor You All the Days of My Life.

If either one of you has been in a previous marriage, please consult the Tribunal Offices.

2010 Pre-Cana Registration Form/Dates