The marriage formation process at St. Michael the Archangel is designed to help you to build a firm foundation for a joyful, life-long marriage.  Each step has been designed to assist you in growing as a couple as you grow in relationship with God.  You are also invited to develop a relationship with a married mentor couple who will support you before and after your wedding day.  

Step 1: Call the Parish (At least 6 months before the wedding)

Call as soon as you get engaged! Janel Butler will connect you with one of our priests for an initial meeting.  We can not schedule a wedding date until you have met with the priest.  It is important that you wait to reserve a reception venue or make other arrangements until you have first met with the priest.

Step 2: Initial Meeting with a Priest

At this meeting with one of our parish priests, you will learn about the formation process for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the necessary paperwork for your marriage.  This is an opportunity for the priest to get to know you as a couple and learn how we can best help your prepare for this sacrament.

Step 3: Complete the Couple Assessment 

The FOCCUS couple assessment provides you with a personalized profile of your relationship. The parish will set this up for you, and upon completion, the priest preparing you for marriage will meet with you to discuss the areas where your relationship is strong and develop a plan to work on the areas where your relationship needs to be strengthened.

Step 4: Begin the Witness to Love Formation Process

You will be asked to choose your own mentor couple who will accompany you during your formation and throughout your first years of marriage using the Witness to Love process. You will have several meetings with them leading up to your wedding, and they will continue to be a support to you in the years to come! 

Step 5: Attend an engaged-couple retreat at St. Michael the Archangel Parish

The retreat will be an opportunity for you to grow closer to God and to one another. Here you will build on the topics you have discussed with your mentor couple with a special focus on the theology of Catholic marriage and it's place in God's plan for us. 

Step 6: Theology Discussion with the Priest and your Mentor Couple

The priest who is assisting you throughout your formation process will join you and your mentor couple for dinner and an opportunity to discuss the topics you learned about at the retreat and answer any questions you may have.

Step 7: Complete Natural Family Planning Education

Natural Family Planning (fertility awareness) respects the love-giving and life-giving purposes of marriage and enriches the bond between husband and wife. These courses give couples a natural approach to understanding the cycles of fertility and infertility. Course listings may be found on the Archdiocesan NFP Resources webpage.

Step 8: Schedule Your Final Meeting (2 months before the wedding)

During this meeting you will review your preparation, complete any remaining paperwork, and plan your wedding liturgy. 

Step 9: Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (1 week before the wedding)

Catholics preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Reconciliation and the Eucharist are invaluable sources of grace and healing. Celebrate this sacrament with your spouse-to-be!

Step 10: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony!
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony begins on your wedding day but lasts a lifetime.  St. Michael the Archangel offers many resources to support your marriage.  Through the continued support of your mentor couple and involvement in the life of the parish, you will have the resources you need to continue to build on the foundation that was laid during the time you invested preparing for marriage.