Marriage and Marriage Preparation Programs

Marriage Programs

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Marriage Enrichment for Married Couples

Sessions are held on the third Friday of each month from 7:30 PM to 9 PM. Attend one or all of the sessions. Various topics are presented by couples. Cost is a free-will donation.

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Marriage Preparation for Engaged Couples

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York requires engaged couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage to register and fulfill a marriage preparation program by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese. A certificate is given at the close of each program.

Mount Alvernia Retreat Center offers engaged couples the choice of a Weekend Engaged Encounter or a One Day Pre Cana Class (Part 1 of 2). Both programs meet the approved guidelines set by the Archdiocese of New York. Both programs also meet the requirements of most Catholic dioceses of the U.S. To ensure that your program will be approved by your Diocese, get approval from your local priest before registering.

Engaged couples who wish to attend should register through their parish and the Archdiocesan office. Couples should request a Marriage Preparation Booklet from their pastor, read the descriptions, and complete the appropriate registration form, including first-choice for date, and mail the registration form with the registration fee to the appropriate Marriage Preparation Office for processing. The Pre Cana classes and weekend encounters are conducted by married couples and priests.

Topics include: love is a decision, forgiveness is a decision, Sacrament of Marriage, planning your Wedding Liturgy, Wedding Day is a day, Marriage is a life-long commitment, understanding your vows, compatibility, finances, communication, arguing, conflict-resolution, marital sexuality and romance, Natural Family Planning, children, family of origin, new family, in-laws, the priority of marriage over career/work/recreation/personal interests, giving the gift of time to one another.

Note: Both programs cover the same topics; however, the weekend program provides more time for a more thorough presentation of topics and time for couples to reflect and dialogue.

The One Day Pre Cana Class is conducted in two parts. Mount Alvernia Retreat Center provides Part 1. The day begins at 9 AM and concludes at 4 PM. A Continental breakfast and lunch is included. Part 2 is conducted in the Parishes of the Archdiocese of New York. For information on Part 1,call the Retreat Center at (845) 297-5706, extension 12. For information on Part 2, call the Family Life Office at 212-371-1000.

The Weekend Engaged Encounter begins at Friday 8 PM and concludes on Sunday 3 PM. Engaged couples have separate (semi-private) bedrooms with a full bath. Three meals on Saturday and two meals on Sunday, plus snacks and refreshments. For information or to register, contact Laura Weidner at (845) 298-4772.

2008 Schedule

Engaged Encounter Weekends: Jan. 18-20, Feb. 8-10, Feb. 29-Mar. 2, May 16-18, July 18-20, and Aug. 15-17

One-day (Pre Cana) Marriage Preparation seminar: Feb. 9, Mar.1, Apr. 26, May 17, June 7, July 19, and Aug. 16.

For information about meals, see the Miscellaneous section in Mount Alvernia Retreats.

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