Marriage Formation
» F.O.C.C.U.S.
» Marriage Prep Sessions
» Engaged Encounter
» Sponsor Couple
Marriage Enrichment
Family Enrichment
Consolation Ministries
 Diocese of Metuchen P.O. Box 191 Metuchen, NJ 08840 Tel: (732) 562-1990 Ext. 1624 & 1623 Fax: (732) 562-1018 |
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Marriage Preparation Sessions 
Why do we have to attend Marriage Preparation Sessions?
The Church wants your relationship and marriage to be successful and to be a source of happiness and blessing throughout your lives. These sessions will present the essential Christian and human aspects of marriage so that you may come to a deeper understanding of all the dimensions of the marriage covenant. They will provide you with concrete means to reflect on your relationship in light of the factors and issues that are usually involved in marriage.
Is there a fee?
Marriage Preparation Sessions for 2007 are $100.00 per couple (effective January 1, 2007). Diocesan Sessions are $125.00 per couple (includes lunch).The fee is used to cover the expense of materials and refreshments. Married couples volunteer their time and are not remunerated. Some parishes require the registration fee to be paid prior to your attendance at the sessions. Check with the scheduling couple regarding their cancellation policy.
What other options are available?
The Engaged Encounter Weekend is another available option.
[MORE information here]
Parish In-Home sessions are also available in some parishes (check with your parish). A married sponsor couple is assigned to an engaged couple and usually meet with them for a series of meetings in the sponsor couple's home.
When should I register for Marriage Preparation Sessions?
Your preparation for marriage will begin when you announce your engagement, even if that is a year or more before your proposed wedding date. It is strongly recommended that you register as soon as possible. Sessions can begin to fill up three to six months in advance (click here for dates).
How do I register?
Check the dates to find the Marriage Preparation Sessions with available openings, and call the scheduling couple listed. Some couples request that you call only during certain hours, please check the instructions.
Coming soon! Online registration will be available.
Why are so many sessions full?
Sessions are run by volunteer married couples who donate their time so that Marriage Preparation Sessions can be offered at their parish. Many couples vacation during the summer months and are extremely busy in December which accounts for the lack of sessions during those times.
However, if all the Marriage Preparation Sessions are filled, you have the following options:
- Check with your parish for In-Home program availability.
- Consider the Engaged Encounter Weekend.
- If possible, get on a waiting list for a session near your home.
- Contact another neighboring diocese for available dates:
»»Check dates at the Diocese of Newark
»»Check dates at the Diocese of Trenton
If you went to your parish at least a year in advance of your wedding date, and you were not advised to register for a Marriage Preparation Session immediately, discuss the situation with your priest/deacon.
