Frequently Asked Questions

Q. We’re planning to get married in the Catholic Church. What do we have to do?
A. Before doing anything else, call your parish office to request a meeting with the priest. He will give you an overview of what is required for you as a couple. Most parishes recommend that you contact them at least 6 months prior to your desired wedding date.

Q. My fiancé(e) isn’t Catholic. Is that a problem?
A. Not necessarily, Many Catholics marry non-Catholics. However, having different faith traditions can sometimes be a source of difficulty in married life. It’s important to communicate openly and honestly with each other about your expectations in this area. Your priest must discuss this with you and may help to obtain the necessary documentation (dispensation).

Q. What does ‘preparation’ consist of?
A. This time prior to your wedding is very enriching and special. It’s easy to get caught up in planning the wedding day itself. However, it’s how you live life after the wedding day that will determine the success of your marriage. Much of this time before your wedding should be spent gaining a thorough understanding of each other; your values, beliefs, character traits, views on important issues, etc.

Q. Do we need to do any ‘formal’ preparation?
A. The Catholic Church requires that couples marrying in the Church go through a process of preparation. It is the responsibility of your parish priest to ensure that you have been adequately prepared.  The Archdiocese has developed a program to assist him in this. Alternatively, a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend may better meet your specific needs.  In addition, there is important Church and government paperwork to be completed. You should discuss all of this with your priest as soon as possible.

Q. What is the advantage of attending a marriage preparation course?
A. The greatest advantage of all marriage preparation programs is the focused time you spend together learning about and discussing topics related to your relationship. In comments about the Archdiocesan course, many couples say they found it very beneficial and were glad they attended (even if they didn’t want to at first!) Another common remark is that hearing the real-life stories of the presenters is especially reassuring and helpful.

Q. What’s the difference between the Archdiocesan evening course and the Saturday course?
A. There is no substantial difference in content. For couple’s convenience, we have two schedule formats available. However, due to limited space, the Saturday courses require advance reservation, while the evening courses do not.  Saturday courses fill up quickly so please call well in advance.

Q. What does the Archdiocesan course consist of?
A. The course consists of seven sessions during which priests, experts and married couples will share their knowledge and experiences with you on a variety of topics in a large group format.

Q. Who attends a Convalidation Course?
A. This course is designed for couples who wish to have their civil or other existing form of marriage “formally perfected” (validated and blessed) according to Church law. If this is the case for you, you may take it when offered, or some (or all) of the regular program. Please discuss this with your priest.

Q. Do we need to register for the courses?
A. Some of the courses require advance reservation, others do not. Please read carefully the section called “Registration Information”. (All courses require that you meet with your priest first to receive a signed registration form.) Actual registration is done on site.

Q. What should we do if we can’t attend a session?
A. Evening Course: There is a lot of flexibility built into the program. As long as you both attend all 7 sessions (#1 - #7), you can take them in any order at any parish. You don’t need to call us to do a makeup, just show up at the other location. Be sure to sign the “make up classes” sheet at the registration table.
A. Saturday Course: You should be able to complete all three days at one location as the order may possibly shift from day to day.

Q. Can I take part of an evening course and part of a Saturday course?
A. No, the Evening and Saturday courses are not interchangeable as the Saturday courses require reservation due to space limits.

Q. How much does the course cost?
A. Evening and 3-Saturday Course:        $75/cpl
    Convalidation Course:                       $60/cpl

Q. My fiancé(e) lives in another city or country. What do we do?
A. Be sure to talk this over with your priest. It’s up to him to determine what steps you should take. He may ask that you attend the Archdiocesan course on your own and that your fiancé(e) do the same where he/she is living. Or perhaps you and your fiancé(e) can attend an Engaged Encounter weekend together or another form of instruction. Your priest will let you know what is needed.

Q. How does our priest know that we’ve completed the course?
A. Attendance is kept during the Archdiocesan course.  Both bride and groom record attendance on the sheets provided each day. When you both have completed all sessions, a certificate of completion is automatically sent to your priest. If a session appears missed, we hold the certificate until completion of the whole program or are asked otherwise by your priest. Catholic Engaged Encounter similarly may provide its own documentation.

Q. What is the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend?
A.  Catholic Engaged Encounter, is a unique balanced program built on an encounter retreat model with a rich 30+ year history internationally.  Normally Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, it is a time of married couples and a priest sharing time, life experience and teaching in groups smaller in size than the Archdiocesan program but covering an equivalent content and also of guided personal sharing and discussion away from many of the distractions of daily life.

Q. Is the Catholic Engaged Encounter run by this office?
A. Catholic Engaged Encounter is approved by the Archdiocese but is actually organized by the local chapter of that organization. For a schedule or other information regarding C.E.E. please call (604)451-3300 or visit their website at: www.ceewest.com.

Q. Can we do more than one program?
A. Yes, you can do both if you wish.  Also after a few years of marriage you might consider a Marriage Encounter Weekend, for information:  www.wwmecanada.org  or find other opportunities for enrichment of your marriage and life together.

May God bless you
as you prepare for life together.