Congratulations on your engagement! 🎉
There are 7 steps in the marriage preparation process in the Diocese of Phoenix. Some steps involve you and your fiancé attending a workshop, seminar, or course found in the steps below.
Step 1: Initial Meeting / Welcome
- Couples meet with the pastor or his delegate (deacon or parish marriage coordinator).
- Strengthened hospitality and pastoral accompaniment
- Couples are encouraged to choose mentors who will accompany them throughout the process
- Begin with the prenuptial file
Essential first step to study each case, discern any impediments, and analyze complex situations
Step 2: Communication Inventory
- Diocesan approved options including FOCCUS, Prepare and Enrich or Fully Engaged.
Step 3: Marriage Skills Workshop
Choose One:
- Option A: Diocesan Workshops
- Love for Life
- Transformed in Love
- Option B: Workshops Parish Based Workshop (trained facilitators and authorized curriculum required)
- Engaged Encounter
Step 5: NFP may be completed at any time during Steps 3 and 4, and before Step 6
Step 4: Marriage Spirituality Retreat
Choose One:
- Option A: God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage
- Option B: Transformed in Love (aligned with Vatican Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life and The USCCB framework)
Step 5: NFP may be completed at any time during Steps 3 and 4, and before Step 6
Step 5: Natural Family Planning (NFP)
- The introductory NFP session is required; however, couples are strongly encouraged to discern participating in the full course.
Step 6: Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Couples are to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to cultivate a deeper sacramental life as part of their preparation
Step 7: Liturgical Planning
- Liturgy preparation for the wedding proceeds as usual