Marriage Preparation is essential to have a Catholic marriage and it is a great space to explore how to sustain a healthy and loving relationship.
There are currently four main ways of obtaining marriage preparation, which is required for anyone wishing to get married in the Catholic Church.
There may be a discount available for doing both the Marriage Care preparation and FOCCUS questionnaire. If you wish to book over the phone, please contact the Appointments service (Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm) on:
If the suggested donation is difficult for you to manage, please talk to Marriage Care, who will strive to find a solution with you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more clarification, or your circumstances require an additional conversation and we will try to help.
The Preparing Together Anywhere Course is an interactive, skills-oriented, group course facilitated live using Zoom. The course is delivered over weekly sessions of 90 minutes over a period of 3 consecutive weeks, and is suitable for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. Preparing Together Anywhere has been awarded an imprimatur from Cardinal Vincent Nichols and upon completion of the course the couples receive a certificate as verification of attendance.
This is a bespoke, questionnaire-based exploration of relationship expectations. It is done individually with each couple over 2-6 one-hour sessions by a skilled facilitator using Zoom. This resource was developed by FOCCUS Inc., an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Omaha, and is suitable for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. Upon completion, the couple receives a certificate as verification of attendance.
‘The Engaged Encounter marriage preparation courses are held over a weekend or over a series of online sessions (NEW in 2020). Couples receive a certificate of attendance which is normally required by the priest who is officiating at their wedding. We extend a warm welcome and invitation to book on our course.’
To prepare with your local parish, please enquire with your parish priest or deacon.
A Scripture-based resource for couples from Two in One Flesh is a good start for a home-based activity. Engaged Encounter organises refresher weekends for couples. Sometimes, Verbum Dei organises marriage and family encounters, as well as Chemin Neuf with their Cana Retreats.
If you are in serious difficulties, we would strongly recommend marriage counselling. For specific problems, such as domestic abuse or mental health support, we recommend contacting one of these charities.
If you are in a situation where speaking will put you in danger, you can use the Silent Solutions service by dialing 999 then 55 to be put through to the police.
You may want to contact Cruse for skilled and confidential support.
Please contact the Restored Lives programme for Liverpool archdiocesan help and support.
All of the above organisations will provide a network of one sort of another. Teams of Our Lady especially focus on creating a supportive network with a characteristic spirituality. Alternatively, ask around and start your own (prayer and support) group. If you do, let us know!
All of the above organisations will provide some training and support to enable people to use their experience, gifts and skills in supporting other couples. The best thing may be to browse through the Alliance websites and find a group that best fits your sense of calling. And let us know if you start a different initiative to fill any missing gaps - we will be delighted to hear from you.
Marriage Care are currently recruiting for their 2 year certificate in relationships counselling for Spring 2022. This course is aimed at those who have no previous training in counselling and it will be delivered via a programme of face to face sessions and online training weekends.
In that case, please look at the theology section above and contact us so that we can discuss how to support you.
