Sta. Julia Catholic Church - Marriapge Prep Course Description

PROGRAM OF PREPARATION FOR THE CELEBRATION
OF THE
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

We, the family of Sta. Julia, invite you to begin your journey together by making a good preparation to enrich your life in the Sacrament of Matrimony. These sessions are designed to aid you in learning the skills necessary to build the solid foundations vital to you and your future spouse, as well in helping you both to live your faith as a Christian married couple and family.

The period of preparation is six months, giving you time to reflect upon this very important time in your life and the life you wish to share with each other.

Very important: Please do not make arrangements to celebrate your wedding until you have contacted the parish office and have completed your required course of marriage preparation.

SESSION TITLE/DESCRIPTION:

1. Introduction

In this introductory session couples and instructor discuss the sacrament of matrimony in general, their reasons for wanting to become married, the necessity and benefits of marriage preparation, expectations, and course materials given out.

2. The Sacrament of Christian Marriage

In this introductory session you will reflect on the Sacrament of Christian marriage, and on what Christian Marriage means to you.

3. Getting to Know Yourself and Each Other

This session will concentrate on getting to know yourself, getting to know more about each other, and know more about each other's family. This will help you to reflect upon how these experiences will impact and influence your relationships with each other.

4. Communication in Marriage

This session will focus on the dynamics of communication; looking at the ways in which we communicate with others, learn effective methods of communication, and ways of dealing with conflict resolution.

5. Family Finances and Christian Marriage

This session will explore attitudes and Christian teaching on family finances. You will be asked to reflect and discuss personal attitudes towards money, determining "want vs. need," budgets, wills, insurance, savings and retirement, etc.

6. Sexuality in Christian Marriage

This session will explore the Church's teaching on sexuality and on the meaning of intimacy. It will help you clarify your own criteria of an intimate relationship. You will learn various aspects of love and what you can do to maintain and grow in intimacy.

7. The Celebration of the Sacrament

This last session will discuss the ceremony itself. We will look at the marriage ceremony, the customs, traditions, and symbols of Holy Matrimony. It will help you to reflect how you can keep your Christian "foundations" intact as you face the inevitable challenges of life as a married couple and family.

Attendance at all 7 sessions is mandatory prior to celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony. You may start the sessions at any point and continue until you have covered the entire cycle. If you should miss any of the session due to unforeseen emergencies, you may make that session up during the next cycle of classes. If you have to miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact and inform the instructor of your absence as soon as possible.

Note: There is a suggested donation of $10 per person (or $20 per couple) to cover the cost of books and materials. The books and materials are yours to keep. This fee is due upon the first day of class, and will be collected by the instructor at that time.