Marriage Preparation at a Glance

For more information on the dates and times of specific marriage preparation programs,
call the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Family Life Apostolate, (504) 861-6243.

MENTOR COUPLE PROGRAM
For Whom the Program is Directed:
Any couple coming to the church for marriage (first time, remarried after an annulment or seeking validation of civil marriage); cost varies.

Format
5 or 6 evening sessions in the home of a married couple, conducted once a week. Sessions include: sharing by married couple, exchange of written exercises between each engaged couple privately and personal discussion. Discussion time “assignments” to be worked on by the couple during the coming week.

Topics covered
Engaged and Marriage Today; Communication in a Love Relationship; Marriage in God’s Way; Living the Sacrament of Matrimony; Natural Family Planning; Family of Origin

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER
For Whom the Program is Directed:
Engaged couples marrying for the first time; cost is $290 per couple.

Format
Two married couples and a priest present the weekend program. Engaged couples are stimulated to dialogue privately with each other on all aspects of married life; group discussion, written exercises, question-and-answer sessions; closes with Sunday liturgy.

Topics covered
Focus on Myself; Focus on Us as a Couple; Focus on Us as a Couple Relating to Others; Communication; Practicalities; Finances; Sexuality Decisions; Healing and Reconciliation; Sacrament/Matrimonial Spirituality; Natural Family Planning

DAYS FOR THE ENGAGED
For Whom the Program is Directed:
Engaged couples marrying for the first time; cost is $100 per couple; presently two seminars a month.

Format
One married couple presenting a series of presentations with accompanying written exercises which the couple will share and discuss with each other. Two-day program scheduled on two Saturdays.

Topics covered
Expectations of Marriage; Communication; Sexuality; Decision-Making; Healing and Reconciliation; Sacrament/Matrimonial Spirituality; Natural Family Planning; Family of Origin

RE-MARRIAGE
For Whom the Program is Directed:
Engaged couples where at least one of the parties has been married before; cost is $100 per couple.

Format
A married couple who themselves have been previously married leads the program consisting of three evening sessions or two half-day sessions. Small group discussion, private dialogue and writing.

Topics covered
Friendship; Your Former Spouse; Step-Family Structure; Step Parenting; Family Background; Handling Conflict; Money Management in Light of Special Circumstances Involved in Second Marriages; Sexual Love; Sacramental Marriage

SPECIAL MARRIAGE
For Whom the Program is Directed:
Couples who are already civilly married and are seeking validations of their marriages in the church; couples with long-term relationships. Cost is $100 per couple.

Format
A married couple presents a program of sharing, writing, dialogue. Includes use of REFOCCUS (Relationship Enrichment Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study).

Topics covered
Sacramental Marriage; Matrimonial Spirituality; Couple Prayer; Communication; Healing Reconciliation; Intimacy; Compatibility; Marriage as a Process; Marital Commitment