Welcome to the Marriage Preparation Process for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
The first step in planning your wedding is to arrange an appointment at your parish with a priest, deacon or pastoral minister. Your local parish community is always the best choice in sacramental preparation. Please inquire about the marriage preparation process in your parish. If there is no program at your parish, then please read on about our diocesan program. It is important to note that Marriage preparation programs should be completed six months to a year before your wedding.
Our hope is that you realize the importance of your role as a future married couple within the Catholic Church community through this process of marriage preparation. Growing in faith, hope and love is a life long process that is essential to a truly happy, holy and lasting marriage.
FOCCUS
(Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study)
After meeting with the priest, deacon or pastoral minister at your parish couples must sign up to complete the FOCCUS questionnaire at least three weeks prior to attending a Marriage Preparation Program (whether on the parish level or diocesan level). FOCCUS is not an option. Couples attending a Diocesan session do not need to take FOCCUS at the parish.
FOCCUS is a self-assessment tool designed to assist couples in learning more about themselves and each other. It is not a test but a way to foster and enhance couple communication. Couples attending a diocesan marriage preparation program or an Engaged Encounter weekend take the questionnaire online. The follow up discussion of the inventory will take place during the diocesan marriage preparation session. You will be contacted with instructions on how to complete the on-line FOCCUS questionnaire upon receipt of your Marriage Preparation registration and payment.
Couples attending parish-based programs where FOCCUS is not offered, may register for the two-session FOCCUS option or the FOCCUS Online option. There is a $50 fee for the administration and facilitation of the FOCCUS questionnaire. There are no refunds for FOCCUS cancellations.
Marriage Preparation Sessions
You will find a variety of marriage preparation programs offered at several locations to meet various needs and demanding schedules. You have the option of both registering and paying online or if you prefer, download our Marriage Preparation Booklet and registration form. In either case, please make sure to read the Marriage Preparation booklet thoroughly as it contains important information and dates. There is a $125.00 processing fee for all cancellations.
Interfaith Couples also register for the programs listed above. In addition, there are specific discussion evenings designed for interfaith couples.
All marriage preparation programs address important aspects of being married in the Catholic tradition. The vocation of marriage, communication and conflict resolution skills, sexuality are among the topics that are discussed.
Natural Family Planning
Couples trained in NFP teach a holistic approach to family planning, which encourages an awareness of sexuality, marital love and family. Sessions are scheduled throughout the year. For more information visit our webpage: www.drvc-faith.org/nfp.html.
Links
Directions to Marriage Preparation Sites
- Blessed Sacrament Parish, Valley Stream
- Curé of Ars Parish, Merrick
- Montfort Retreat Center, Bay Shore
- Most Holy Trinity, East Hampton
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patchogue
- Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Centerport
- Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House, Uniondale
- St. Frances de Chantal Parish, Wantagh
- St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip
- St. Matthew Parish, Dix Hills
- The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington
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