MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Every couple to be married in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is required to participate in a diocesan-approved marriage preparation program which should be taken at least six months prior to your wedding.  Pre-marriage programs are offered in four models: the Engaged Encounter weekend retreat,  "Joy Filled Marriage" sponsored by the "Renew the I Do" foundation, parish-sponsored programs, or online formation through Catholic Marriage Prep.com   See below for information, dates and current availability for each.

Given the temporary suspension of group gatherings, couples may find that this program a perfect fit.  Please consult the priest who is overseeing your wedding to obtain his approval.  Click on the Catholic Marriage Prep logo below to register.

Parish programs offer a variety of settings and arrangements from larger groups to webinars to mentor-couples.  Given this period of social distancing, fewer large group opportunities are available.  Nonetheless, some options for parish formation remain.
Click here for schedule of parish pre-marriage classes

Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat either vitual or away that assists couples in dialogueing honestly and intensively about their prospective lives together-- their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals, attitudes about money, sex, children, family, church and society in a face-to-face way.  Engaged Encounter is an invitation to go deeper in communication, vital for the growth of your relationship and healthy marriage.