Marriage Preparation Program

Calendar and Registration Form Septermber 2013 - 2014

The Catholic Church requires that you begin sacramental preparation for your wedding celebration at least six months prior to your wedding. During that time you will participate in a Marriage Preparation Program, meet with a priest at least once, complete all the necessary paperwork for your wedding, and plan for the ceremony.

Holy Trinity Parish offers a 5-week Marriage Preparation Program that is designed to support engaged couples as they prepare for this lifetime commitment to each other within  the faith community.

Program Structure
Six different 5-week Marriage Preparation sessions are offered throughout the year (September through June). 

Each session consists of six gatherings:
     Five Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
     One Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

Explanation of the Program
The Holy Trinity Marriage Preparation Program offers an opportunity to join with other couples (up to 12) for open and frank discussions as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage.  Couples will be encouraged to share their relationship and experiences of one another in an atmosphere of respect and confidentiality. 

We have chosen to focus this preparation process on the following topics through the lens of Catholic spirituality:
     Understanding Self and Partner
     Theoloy and Spirituality
     Communication & Dialogue
     Family Traditions & Values/Shared Decision Making and Money Management
     Sexuality in Marriage

The Marriage Preparation Team are parishioners of Holy Trinity who serve in this ministry to pass on and enrich the experience of those seeking preparation for celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage.

Registration
Participation in the Marriage Preparation Program is a $150 fee.

Please send registration form and check (made payable to Holy Trinity) to:
     Marriage Preparation
     Holy Trinity Catholic Church
     3515 N St. NW
     Washington DC, 20007

For additional information or questions, contact Christy Shukie, Faith Formation/Religious Education Office Coordinator, (202) 903-2808.

Additional Options for Marriage Preparation
A number of other programs are available in the Washington area for those couples unable to participate in Holy Trinity’s program. Since the following programs are administered outside of Holy Trinity, please contact these programs directly to make your own arrangements. Donations vary for each program.

Catholic Engaged Encounter
A weekend retreat from Friday through Sunday afternoon. 
Listings available for Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, Richmond, VA, Baltimore, MD, and others.

Archdiocese of Washington
2-Saturday program

Diocese of Arlington
Saturday conference for engaged couples.
 
 
Celebration of Marriage at Holy Trinity
For marriage information outside of the Marriage Preparation Program sessions, or for information about scheduling a wedding at Holy Trinity, please click here, or contact Helene Flanagan (202-903-2806), Liturgy Coordinator.