Sacrament Preparation

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  We know this is a very exciting time for you.  Did you know that the Church teaches that your love for each other expressed in your life-long marriage is an icon of God himself!  You are called to an exalted life of discipleship and we are here to help you in any way that we can.  On this page you will find a short outline of the preparation process along with links for registering for Engaged Encounter in the area and a link to the Marriage Preparation Policy for the Archdiocese.

Marriage Formation

To begin the process of marriage preparation you should contact the priest that you plan to have witness your wedding.  To do this, call the parish office of his parish.  He will walk you through the preparation from there.  He will ask you to do five things:

1. meet with him for a number of sessions to talk about the Biblical and Sacramental understanding of marriage, which differs very much from our culture.  The first session usually involves gathering a good bit of information.
2. arrange to have you take a FOCCUS Inventory (which helps couples enhance their relationship by discussing important topics including communication, problem-solving skills, religion, dual careers, parenting, intimacy, finances and more)
3. discuss marital sexuality and responsible parenting (known as MSRP; he may do this himself or ask you to watch a video)
4. complete training in Natural Family Planning (available online as well as in person)
5. attend an Engaged Encounter weekend or take part in another type of marriage formation program approved by the Office of Evangelization and Family Life (such as the archdiocesan Marriage Mentor Couple program).

If you choose to attend Engaged Encounter –

Engaged Encounter is a weekend-long experience where couples learn what the Church teaches about the Sacrament of Marriage, as well as the practical skills needed for a successful marriage.  These weekends are held periodically throughout the year.  Follow the links below to find out more information about how to register for an Engaged Encounter weekend. (Talk to your priest before registering for any Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana event.)

Engaged Encounter Mobile

Engaged Encounter Pensacola/Tallahassee

Engaged Encounter Birmingham

If you choose to work with a Mentor Couple you can view their introductions on the pages below.

Mobile/Baldwin areas

Montgomery area
 

Marriage Preparation Policy for the Archdiocese of Mobile

By Baptism, we become members of the Church, the body of Christ.

Jesus, by commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.

For more information regarding Baptism, please contact your parish.  (A listing of the parishes of the Archdiocese of Mobile can be found here.)

Resources from the USCCB website:

Prayers of thanksgiving for a newborn or newly adopted young child

Parents’ thanksgiving

Blessing on a child’s birthday

Parish leaders can find additional information on pages 11-14 of the Resource for Sacrament Preparation of Children and Youth

2024 Rite of Election

Thursday, March 6, St. Columba Parish, Dothan, 7pm
Saturday, March 8, St. Bede Parish, Montgomery, 10am
Sunday, March 16, Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile, 3pm

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning OCIA (RCIA)

Rite of Election Past Program - year A

Rite of Election Past Program - year B

Rite of Election Past Program - year C

Resource for the Sacrament Preparation of Children and Youth

Prayer Partner Resource