Each parish may have guidelines to prepare a couple for marriage, but we offer these best practices as a guide:

 1. Meet with your parish priest, deacon, or marriage coordinator – Soon after you become engaged contact your parish church to make an appointment. If you are getting married in a church outside of the Diocese of Providence, first contact the parish you attend to discuss this with the priest, deacon, or marriage coordinator. At your first meeting, you will often fill out preliminary paperwork, discuss what documents are needed, and learn what comes next.

 2. Take a pre-marital inventory (PMI) – A pre-marital inventory is usually a questionnaire that each of you complete separately. The questions cover a variety of topics including communication, lifestyle expectations, finances, parenting, religion, etc. The report is a great tool to explore your strengths as a couple and those areas that may require further attention. This resource is meant to be a discussion starter and is usually facilitated by the priest, deacon, or mentor couple.

 3. Meet with a mentor couple at your parish – Parishes may have married couples that mentor you. The mentor couple can connect you to the local community, share their experience, and pray for you as you journey into married life. If there is no formal mentor program, you can ask your priest to suggest a married couple to connect with.

4. Sign up and attend Diocesan Marriage Preparation – Transformed in Love is the marriage preparation program for the Diocese of Providence. During the program, engaged couples will hear from married couples on marriage related topics. There is a list of venues and dates for upcoming marriage preparation sessions below.

 5. Learn more about fertility awareness and methods of natural family planning – Understanding fertility awareness and the natural methods available to achieve and postpone pregnancy for just reasons can be overwhelming if you do not have the correct information necessary to make an informed decision. Although there is an overview talk on fertility awareness at our Marriage Preparation programs, we suggest you consider taking a course online or talk with a local instructor to learn more. Contact Donna Warner, info below, to get information on fertility awareness training.

 6. Go to Confession – The Sacrament of Reconciliation, otherwise known as Confession, is a sacrament of love and healing. Catholics should plan to go before their wedding. For more information about this powerful and necessary sacrament, click here.

 7. Meet with the priest, deacon, or parish marriage coordinator again – Follow up meetings are an opportunity to get to know the priest or deacon who is officiating at your wedding and a good time to discuss concerns, get the paperwork in order, plan your wedding liturgy, and ask any questions.

 8. Pray, breathe, and enjoy the journey – This should be a wonderful experience for you both. Don’t let the details overwhelm you. Remember, the wedding is one day, but your marriage lasts a lifetime.