To receive the Sacrament of Marriage in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, every engaged couple is required, by Canon Law, to participate in an approved marriage preparation program. The following programs are offered through parish classes, online, and weekend retreats.
Parish programs offer a variety of settings and arrangements from larger groups to webinars to mentor-couples. Given this period of social distancing, some parishes continue to offer virtual and mentor couple opportunities.
Divine Redeemer Parish:
200 Walnut St.
Sewickley, PA 15143
1526 Union Ave.
Natrona Heights., PA 15065
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
800 Avila Court
Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (Ross Twp)
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
St. Therese of Lisieux Church Site
1 Saint Therese Ct.
Munhall, PA 15120
Renew the I Do offers the Joy Filled Marriage Prep in 4 formats:
Given limits to group gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, couples may need an online program. In order to register for an online program, couples need the approval of their celebrant (priest).
Click here to learn more and to registerEngaged Encounter is a weekend retreat that helps couples to dialogue honestly and intensively about their future: their strengths; weaknesses; desires; ambitions; goals; and attitudes about money, sex, children, family, church and society. Engaged Encounter invites couples to deeper communication, which is vital for the growth of a healthy relationship and marriage.
For local reservations email pittsburgh@engagedencounter.com or call 412-861-0262. To volunteer for Engaged Encounter, contact Rick and Carol Behring at 724-316-2820 or rcbehring@zoominternet.net.
To have your parish's premarriage class placed on the diocesan calendar or to inquire about pre-marriage in general, please contact:
Deacon Tom Lopus
Deacon in Support of Marriage Ministries
tlopus@diopitt.org