Marriage Preparation Guidelines
Diocese of Pueblo

1. Parish  minister interviews the couple and conducts a prenuptial investigation to determine and assure the validity of marriage within the Church.
2. Parish minister is to administer the appropriate engaged inventory tool, which is FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study).
   1. The inventory should be administered and the results reviewed with the couple prior to participating in the parish-based marriage preparation program.
   2. The couple should be counseled in areas that are in need of growth and communication.
3. Parish minister provides information on the marriage preparation process that the parish uses.
   1. Lead Couple Home-based preparation
   2. Deanery or Parish All Day preparation (If available)

The Second Three Months:  Final Preparation

1. Parish Minister reconfirms the wedding date and reviews the checklist with the couple.
2. Parish minister finalizes all required canonical documents and prenuptial investigations.
   1. Documents are to be kept in the parish files where the marriage takes place.
3. Parish minister reviews and discusses any special circumstances surrounding their marriage, which will enhance or detract from their marriage.
   1. Review the impact of FOCCUS and the Marriage Preparation Process on their understanding of marriage.
   2. Discuss the sacrament nature of the intended relationship.
4. Parish minister reviews and discusses options for the wedding liturgy that are appropriate for them.  These include such things as selection of music, scriptures, vows, cultural customs, etc.
   1. Diocesan Office of Worship serves a resource in this area.

A.  Marriage of Minors - The general policy is that no one is to assist at a marriage of a person under the  age of 19 and/or when the parents are unaware of the marriage or are reasonably opposed to it.

B.  Pregnancy - In case of pregnancy, a request for marriage in the church will be considered following review of the pre-martial inventory, completion of the recommended evaluations and counseling, and consultation with the parents/guardians of both parties (if either partner is under 21 years of age.)  In any case, the parties should be strongly encouraged to delay the wedding until after the birth of the child.

C.  Catholic/Non-Catholic Marriages - In addition to completing the appropriate marriage preparation requirements in this policy, special sessions to acquaint or update the couple's understanding of Catholic beliefs and practices (particularly those Catholic practices, which relate to the Catholic family life) are strongly suggested.  The Catholic party should also become acquainted with the religious traditions of the future spouse.  It is recommended that the minister of the non-Catholic partner be invited to participate in the marriage preparation process and in the wedding ceremony.

D.  Remarriage - Preparation for remarriage is required allowing for special consideration.  Because of the pastoral concern for the person requesting remarriage, either one widowed or divorced, and recognizing other special needs, remarriage preparation included:  Closure of the first marriage, establishing new ties, blending of families, whenever necessary, exploring the expectations of the new marriage, and the development of communication skills.  In addition to these needs, a declaration of nullity must be obtained in the case of a person wishing to remarry who has had a civil divorce.

E.  Validation - If a couple is not married in accordance with the laws of the Church, a validation (Marriage in the Church) is permitted only after the couple has completed the marriage preparation process.

F.  Non-praticing Catholic - In the case of non-practicing Catholic seeking marriage within the Church, there is a threefold process which needs to be pursued:  Examine very carefully the reasons why the couple wants to be married in the Church; provide additional instructions and invite the couple back to active participation and finally, explain at length the sacramental dimension of marriage.