Marriage Preparation
"It is the policy of all the five dioceses of Wisconsin that all couples participate in a Preparation Program. Anyone contemplating a 2009 wedding should have already contacted Fr. Steiner. "
God’s blessings upon your engagement! Just as you have a checklist of items needed to plan for your wedding and reception, you will also need a checklist of items needed to properly prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage within the Catholic Church. Take the time to complete each of these steps in the order suggested. Doing so will ensure complete and meaningful formation.
Step 1: Give gratitude to God for the love that He has given to you as a couple. Pray together for His mercy and grace throughout your engagement.
Step 2: Make an appointment with your parish priest or deacon more than 6 months in advance of your tentative wedding date. We strongly urge you to do so as soon as you are engaged and before you have selected the reception hall, asked attendants to stand up for your wedding or made any other decisions regarding your date and the church. Most parishes have local policies about marriage and you will want to preview them along with the marriage policy of the Diocese of La Crosse.
Step 3: Supply your priest/deacon with a current copy of your baptismal certificate (if marrying outside of your home parish).
Step 4: Meet with the priest/deacon to complete the pre-nuptial questionnaire and review all parish and diocesan policies.
Step 5: Participate in a pre-marriage inventory, for example FOCCUS.
Step 6: Meet with your priest, deacon or sponsor couple to discuss the results of the pre-marriage inventory (may entail multiple meetings).
Step 7: Attend a Marriage Preparation Program (details available from your parish).
Click here for the current schedule
Step 8: Meet with the priest/deacon or parish wedding coordinator to discuss wedding liturgy details.
Step 9: Select Scripture readings, petitions, music.
Step 10: Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) prior to your wedding.
Download this list as a printable checklist.
AREA MARRIAGE PREP CLASSES FOR 2010:
Aug 13-14 in Arcadia;
Sep 24-25 in Stevens Point;
Oct 23 in Holmen;
Nov 6 in Wi Rapids.