Marriage Preparation

Step 1: Meet with your Pastor/Parish Delegate

When: Before setting a wedding date

Engaged couples should contact Jennifer Blackstad at jenn@olmctempe.com or 480-967-8791 ext. 220 to discuss the wedding process and set up a meeting to begin the marriage preparation process.

Step 2: Marriage Preparation Inventory

When: 8-9 months before the wedding

OLMC uses a Marriage Preparation Inventory is called FOCCUS. There is a $20 fee for the FOCCUS Assessment. Please note: a wedding date cannot be set until this step is completed.

Step 3: Married Life Skills Training

When: 7-8 months before the wedding

“Unitas: Preparing for a Sacramental Marriage” is the program base for the marriage preparation program. Unitas meets for seven consecutive Fridays from 7:00-9:00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Each session follows a general format: topical presentations followed by small group discussions, or discussions as a couple. Couples are assigned to a sponsor couple who help lead the small group discussions. Each couple receives a workbook, which contains activities and worksheets for in-class and homework assignments. In addition to the Friday sessions there are two rituals administered at Sunday mass. The program is designed to aid engaged couples in gaining additional insights into their relationship and involve them in the parish community. Unitas satisfies the Step 3: Life Skills requirement for marriage preparation in the Diocese of Phoenix.

Contact Information: Jennifer Blackstad jenn@olmctempe.com or 480-967-8791 ext. 220

Step 4: God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage

When: 6-8 months before the wedding

Registration available online at phxmarriageprep.org/gods-plan-for-a-joy-filled-marriage-seminar ($85).

Step 5: Natural Family Planning Instruction

When: 4-6 months before the wedding

Please visit the Office of NFP at phxmarriageprep.org/nfp-natural-family-planning ($100).

Step 6: Sacrament of Reconciliation

When: Before the wedding, as necessary

Step 7: Final Meeting with your Pastor

When: 4-6 weeks before the wedding

Schedule a final meeting with the wedding celebrant. Contact the Parish Secretary, Kelly Martin to schedule at kelly@olmctempe.com. At this point you will be ready to think about your wedding liturgy. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, we have Wedding Coordinators and a Wedding Music Coordinator to meet and assist you with the planning of your wedding liturgy. You will be contacted by the coordinators 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding date.