On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, we congratulate you on this most joyous occasion of your engagement to be married.  It is an honor for us to join your journey of faith as you begin the process of marriage preparation.  May God bless you as you prepare to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony.

The marriage preparation process is a multi-phased and collaborative effort under the direction of our local parish communities and the diocesan Office of Family Ministries.

Diocesan guidelines for the Sacrament of Matrimony:

Step One: Six (6) months to a year before your wedding date, contact your parish priest. You can expect to meet with the priest or deacon several times to complete and go over the Pre-Nuptial Marriage Investigation; take the Foccus survey; go over results of the survey; and to plan the liturgy for your wedding day. If you have a former marriage you will need to receive a Declaration of Invalidity before a wedding date can be scheduled.

Step Two: Register for a marriage preparation class. This class is designed as a tool to help you and your fiancé prepare for a lifetime marriage.

Diocese of Memphis Marriage Prep

Option 1: The marriage preparation course can be accessed at the Catholic Marriage Prep link located in this paragraph. We have used this course for the last few years and it is excellent. The cost is $194 you can register by going to this link: http://www.catholicmarriageprep.com/134.html The cost is higher if you need an accelerated timeline, so register as soon as possible.

Option 2:

Catholic Diocese of Memphis – Marriage Preparation Workshop

“To Be One in Flesh”
September 16, 2023
9:00am to 3:00pm
St. Benedict at Auburndale
8250 Varnavas Dr, Cordova, TN 38016
Lunch will be included

Cost is $135 per couple (paid in advance, online only)
Register and pay at:  www.cdom.org/
(Or go to: cdom.org, select “Online Registration” at the top and select “Marriage Prep Workshop” in the drop down)

This workshop satisfies part of the diocesan requirement for Marriage Prep. Please check with the priest or deacon who is preparing you for Marriage to see what else is required.

Option 3: Marriage prep can always be provided by the priest or deacon who is presiding at your wedding, or by a diocesan-approved marriage prep program at your local parish. Check with your pastor.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Deacon Jeff Drzycimski, Director of Catechetical & Sacramental Formation, at (901) 373-1222, or email Deacon Jeff at deacon.jeff@cc.cdom.org.

Step Three: Register online for Natural Family Planning Class series (NFP). Natural Family Planning is an all-natural method, scientifically based on the woman’s patterns of fertility and infertility. It promotes romance, respect and communication between husband and wife. It can deepen the intimacy between you and your spouse, strengthen your relationship and give you peace.

Guiding Star Memphis, in partnership with Catholic Diocese of Memphis, is presenting: “Natural Fertility and Hormone Wellness” classes. This class satisfies the Natural Family Planning requirements for marriage prep). To register click HERE

 or contact them directly at : contact@guidingstarmemphis.org for any questions.’

The Natural Family Program is also available online at

https://learnnfponline.com/

It is best for engaged couples to attend the classes at least six months before their wedding.