FOR THE ENGAGED … PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE IN THE DIOCESE OF BUFFALO
We, the members of the Catholic community wish to congratulate you on your decision to be married in the Church.
Christian marriage is a gift and calling. Marriage is a challenge but the call to grow together in love is ever present. Know you are held in thought and prayer.
We are happy to assist you in your personal preparations for the Sacrament of Marriage.
Precana experiences generally include prayer, presentations by trained team couples on various topics such as communication, intimacy, everyday living, sacrament of marriage, finances in daily life and more. Opportunity for you to share privately with your future spouse is provided. Each precana offers unique aspects all designed to provide you and your future spouse with an affirming and enriching program. You will receive your precana certificate at the conclusion of your program.
Any ONE of the following precana programs satisfied the requirements for marriage preparation for the Diocese of Buffalo.
Journey Into Love is marriage preparation program that is designed for couples where both individuals are marrying for the first time. It is a 7½ hour, one day program that uses presentations offered by trained team couples. Engaged couples use various communication exercises focusing on such areas as dynamics of effective communication; intimacy; marital roadblocks; natural family planning; serious issues which include money; drugs and alcohol; gambling and any type of abuse; Inter-religious spirituality insights and more. Program includes dinner and prayer service. The 2009 - 2010 dates at St. Columban Center in Derby are:
- March 7, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
- March 21, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
For more information and registration, contact St. Columban Center at 716 947-4708.
One Saturday Journey Into Love Program is available at the St. Columban Center, 6892 Lake Shore Road, Derby, NY 14047. For more information and to register call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210.
- May 15, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Eight Journey Into Love Programs are available at Christ the King Seminary, 711 Knox Road, East Aurora, 14052. These dates are:
- April 18, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
- May 23, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
- June 6, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
- June 13, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- September 19, 2010 - Sunday 1:45 pm - 9:00 pm
- October 16, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- November 13, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- December 11, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
For more information and to register, call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.
Two Saturday Journey Into Love Programs are available at the Center of Renewal, Stella Niagara. The dates are:
- June 12, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- June 19, 2010 - Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
For more information and to register, call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.
Resources for couples unable to attend traditional marriage preparation classes are available.
Click here for the For Your Diocesan Marriage Preparation brochure
Catholic Marriage Preparation on-line information. This program allows flexibility for couples with difficult work schedules or for those who live in different states or countries. An interactive on-line preparation program available to couples who cannot attend traditional programs. Topics covered include God’s plan for humanity, the Sacrament of Marriage, Natural Family Planning, Theology of the Body, the Rite of Marriage and areas of relationship. All this and more. This marriage preparation program is currently translated and available in French and Spanish as well as English. Cost is $150. Our office works in collaboration with Christian and Christine Meert, Directors. Couples receive their precana certificate upon satisfactory completion. Contact information and/or registration: call 1-866-425-7193; e-mail www.CatholicMarriagePrep.com. For a brochure, call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.
CANA II is a marriage preparation program designed for couples where at least one person was previously married and who are now free to marry again by reason of a Church annulment or death of one’s spouse. This peer ministry program is given by a trained remarriage team primarily on a couple to couple ba sis . The resource utilized “A Redeemed State” deals with critical issues that include step-parenting, multiple sets of in-laws, and the challenges of blending families. Registration completed on an individual ba sis by contacting your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.
REGARDING THE PLACE OF MARRIAGE: In Accord with the custom of the Diocese of Buffalo, Catholic weddings are to be celebrated primarily in parish churches. Since the parish church is the “spiritual home” of the family of God, where life-giving sacraments are normally celebrated and since the parish is the heart of sacramental life and ministry, weddings in non-sacred places (gardens, parks, beaches, hotels, etc.) are prohibited. Also weddings in high school chapels, religious houses and oratories that are not attached to a parish are not permitted.