Weddings/Marriage Prep

Congratulations on your engagement! As you are taking your first step on the path of love, we are here to assist you on your journey.

“Love is indeed ‘ecstasy,’ not in the sense of a moment of intoxication, but rather as a journey, and ongoing exodus out of the closed inward-looking self towards its liberation through self-giving, and thus towards authentic self-discovery and indeed the discovery of God” (Benedict XVI Deus Caritas Est 6).

Completion of the following steps provides you with necessary preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the 7 Steps to a rewarding Marriage preparation Experience Diocese of Phoenix. The Diocese of Phoenix mandates a nine-month preparation process effective January 1, 2010.

  • Step 1: Meet with your Pastor (Before you set a wedding date)

  • Step 2: Marriage Preparation Inventory
    When: As soon as possible after meeting with your pastor
    The Marriage Preparation Inventory is called the FOCCUS.

  • Step 3: Married Life Skills Training
    When: Seven to eight months before the wedding

    Love for Life Engaged Weekend - The Diocese offers classes at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix and at other locations. Registration available online athttps://www.ourcovenantoflovephx.org/ ($135).

  • Step 4: God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage
    When: Six to eight months before the wedding
    Registration available online at https://www.ourcovenantoflovephx.org/ ($85).

  • Step 5: Natural Family Planning Instruction
    When: Four to six months before the wedding
    Click here for parish-based NFP classes:
    npf_about.php
    You may find alternative classes offered by the diocese.
    Please visit the Office of NFP
    website: http://www.phxnfp.org/($100).

  • Step 6: Sacrament of Reconciliation
    When: Before the wedding, as necessary

  • Step 7:Final Meeting with your Pastor
    When: Four to six weeks before the wedding