Marriage Preparation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans at a Glance

Congratulations! The Catholic Church joyfully anticipates the opportunity to celebrate this life-changing sacrament with you. 

St. Paul tells us the Sacrament of Matrimony is the image of Christ’s love for his Church.

FIRST STEPS TO THE ALTAR

The Archdiocese of New Orleans recognizes the vital role the parish community plays in the life of each couple both before and after their wedding. It is God who joins man and woman in marriage and sustains them in love, and it is in the parish community that we encounter him most fully. Your first step is to contact your parish priest or deacon at least 6 to 8 months before the wedding to work out a plan to prepare for your marriage in the Church. Your parish priest or deacon will know which resources are available to you and will recommend the best possible marriage preparation, given your particular circumstances. If you are working with a priest or deacon from outside the archdiocese, he can email or call the Family Life Apostolate at (504) 861-6243 for information and guidance.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION PARTICULAR LAW FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS

For a copy of the Marriage Preparation Particular Law for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, go to http://nolacatholic.org/ckeditor_assets/attachments/217/2016_policy.pdf

ARE YOU MARRIED AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A MENTOR COUPLE?

Contact your parish, and then either call the archdiocesan Family Life Apostolate at (504) 861-6243 to discuss options or register online for training in the In Home Marriage Prep program by going to https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/in-home-marriage-prep

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

NORTHWEST SYMPTO-THERMAL

Uses a combination of basal body temperature and observations of physical changes to chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle. This information can be used effectively to either achieve or postpone a pregnancy. Classes are conducted in a group setting and consist of four, three-hour evenings spread over the course of two months. Available on both the Southshore and the Northshore. Registration is through the Family Life Apostolate office, (504) 861-6423.

CREIGHTON FERTILITY CARE SYSTEM

Uses observation of physical symptoms to both chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle and provide a wealth of information regarding the woman’s health to a certified practitioner. This information can also be used by medical personnel trained in NaPro Technology, a cutting-edge healthcare system that works to maintain or restore a woman’s natural reproductive system. One-on-one classes with a practitioner; introductory presentation followed by monthly meetings until autonomy is achieved.

Register: Hope Fertility Care Center: https://www.hopewomansclinic.com/fertility/creighton-model/

FAMILY OF THE AMERICAS

A method that is both simple and affordable, yet still very effective. It uses observation of physical symptoms to chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle. This method is said to be ideal for a woman discontinuing the use of artificial contraception. It is now available through the Hope Fertility Care Center, and one-on-one classes consist of an introduction and monthly follow-up meetings until autonomy is achieved. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, email [email protected].

COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE

There are two instructor couples in the area for this Sympto-Thermal method, and they are both on the Southshore. Classes are three, pre-scheduled evening sessions done specifically couple-to-couple (imagine that!). Live and self-paced online courses are also available.  Registration is online by going to https://ccli.org/learn-nfp-from-ccl/main-course-descriptions/class-comparison-chart/

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE FAMILY LIFE APOSTOLATE – (504) 861-6243