Marriage Preparation

Regardless of how long couples have been dating, every couple can benefit from completing the Marriage Preparation course. This course covers the most relevant topics that lead to a fulfilling marriage, or conversely are the leading contributors to divorce. In the lead-up to marriage, most couples spend a significant amount of time preparing for their wedding day, yet often do not discuss the topics or issues that will challenge their relationship in the years to come. Our Marriage Preparation Course offers each couple a wealth of information on how to build a successful and spiritual marriage, all in a casual and non-threatening environment.

Class size is limited to 10 couples. Each week a topic is introduced by the course facilitators and they will offer their insights or personal experience related to the topic. Each couple will then complete an activity on their own and have the opportunity to discuss the topic with each other.  Couples then re-group to review the topic and are welcome to share their experiences with the group if they choose. Following each class, couples will be assigned a take-home component to work on together prior to the next class.

The Marriage Preparation Course consists of four (4) classes lasting 2 hours each. Classes are held once per week over a four week period. Please note that couples are required to attend each of the four classes in order to receive their course completion certificate.

Holy Rosary Church typically offers the Marriage Preparation Course twice per year. Since most marriages in the parish take place from May through October, Marriage Preparation Courses are scheduled during the winter. Historically, one session is delivered beginning in January, and the other session is offered in late February or early March. Sessions are delivered either on Sunday or Monday evenings.

Each session is facilitated by a parish couple selected by Fr. Sam. Facilitators have undergone lengthy training on the Marriage Preparation program and are experienced presenters. Our facilitating couples have been married for many years, and as a result are familiar with the numerous and varied challenges facing a modern marriage. Furthermore, our instructors are committed Catholics and enthusiastically live out their spirituality in their marriage.

In late fall, all couples registered to be married at Holy Rosary are required to attend an information session with Fr. Sam. During this meeting, Fr. Sam will review important information regarding your wedding ceremony. Additionally, the program dates for upcoming Marriage Preparation Courses will be announced.  It is also an opportunity to meet the course facilitators and to have any of your questions answered.

$80 per couple (includes program work book for each person). Please note that Holy Rosary Church offers its Marriage Preparation Course on a cost-recovery basis.

If you would like to enroll in Holy Rosary’s Marriage Preparation Course, please click here. You will then be notified when the Preliminary Information Meeting date is scheduled in the fall.

Feedback from course participants is overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. Click here to read comments from recent sessions.

If the Marriage Preparation Course dates do not align with your life schedule, you may wish to contact other parishes in the diocese for their program dates. Click here for a list of parishes offering Marriage Preparation classes. Alternatively, you may wish to take private sessions with an authorized marriage counsellor. Click here for a list of private counsellors.