After celebrating your engagement it is best to look ahead and plan to complete the Catholic marriage preparation process for the Diocese of Evansville. We want you to have a successful marriage and the best possible future together, which is why we offer a comprehensive process that prepares you for the Sacrament of Marriage. Preparation for your marriage should begin at least 8-12 months prior to your anticipated wedding date or as soon you are engaged. You can keep on track by following this timeline and referring questions to the office of Family Life (812) 423-5456 or with priest, pastoral minister or deacon.

1. Initial meeting with priest, pastoral minister or deacon
You will likely meet at the parish or rectory. Call to set up an appointment and get any information they may have regarding the parish’s guidelines for marriage. At this initial meeting you will more than likely fill out required paperwork for our Diocese and discuss some surface details regarding when you are planning your ceremony. You may also ask for a copy of the “Rite of Marriage” which is the handbook that you can select readings and other relevant information for the liturgy.

*We highly recommend that you confirm a wedding date with the church before booking a reception site, etc…

2. Premarital evaluation and discussion
There are several widely-used preparation inventories used within our Diocese. The most common is FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study), which is designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their relationship. This is not a test and there are not right or wrong answers. You will each fill it out separately and then the inventory is scored. Typically you return a week or two later to discuss the areas of your relationship that may need more attention and affirm your strengths.

*If this is something your parish does not offer you can call Catholic Charities and make an appointment to take the inventory here and be seen by a marriage counselor for follow-up at (812) 423-5456.

3. Participation in a parish-based or diocesan marriage preparation program
Most parishes ask that you choose one of the following programs:

Sponsor Couple Program – You will meet 5-6 times with a trained married couple from your parish (or a parish close by) and complete the For Better & For Ever workbook together. These discussions will focus on important aspects of Christian marriage such as family traditions, sexuality, intimacy, prayer, parenthood, money planning, communication and problem solving. Several other areas may be covered including mixed religion marriage and stepfamilies if those situations apply. From this dialogue you will learn that Christian marriage is a commitment to constant personal change, because you cannot change your partner. Couples are expected to complete chapters and answer the reflection questions prior to each session with the sponsor couple.

Engaged Encounter Weekend – Teams of married couples and a priest will share personal experiences and reflections related to marriage and family on this weekend retreat. These short talks are designed to bring out important issues regarding marriage and promote discussion among engaged couples. After each talk, every engaged couple will have the opportunity to share in private with each other their own reflections. You will learn how to communicate effectively with each other and how to resolve your differences peacefully. Please visit our website for dates of upcoming weekends in our Diocese or to register online: www.evansvilleengagedencounter.org

Other Parish-Based Programs – Some parishes offer their own classes or individual instruction in regards to marriage preparation. You are always welcome to do additional marriage preparation by attending Engaged Encounter as a supplement or asking to be teamed up with a Sponsor Couple. Your parish will have information regarding what they offer.

4. Natural Family Planning Introductory Session
You will be encouraged to attend an introductory session in Natural Family Planning. Our Diocese offers classes through the Holy Family Center for Life which has offices in several locations. This presentation will provide you an overview of NFP and explain the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System that is taught.

If you attend an Engaged Encounter retreat this intro session will be included in your weekend schedule. To schedule an introductory session or for more information, please click here.

5. Consultation with priest, pastoral minister or deacon
This is the time to discuss any concerns that may have been raised in your marriage preparation program. You will also be reviewing the details of your ceremony and look over final decisions regarding readings and music selections.

6. Planning the liturgical ceremony
Your wedding day is a very important occasion and celebration in your lives. The celebration should reflect your uniqueness as a couple, but also reflect the sacredness of commitment and unity. This is also a time of public worship which includes your family, friends and Church community. You will discuss the liturgical guidelines the Diocese of Evansville has regarding music, prayers, readings and decorations, as well as the setting within the church for the ceremony. Liturgical guidelines will help insure that this sacrament is presented appropriately. You can find more information here.

7. Marriage license & rehearsal
Most couples will purchase their marriage license 2-4 weeks prior to their wedding date. You may apply for a marriage license at any Indiana county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. For more information on the locations of clerk offices, cost, requirements, procedures to follow, etc… please click here.

8. Your wedding day!
The day you’ve been planning and preparing for has finally arrived. Congratulations! Enjoy this day with family and friends as you celebrate the lifetime commitment you have made to one another.

9. We’re married…now what?
Now that you are married we encourage you to continue enriching your marriage. You should seek out opportunities in your parish and community to attend enrichment workshops, presentations and retreats. You can find more information on upcoming programs on this site under “Married” and “Resources.” Marriage counseling is available through Catholic Charities (812) 423-5456.