Marriage in Maryland: Securing the Foundation of Family and Society

Congratulations on your engagement! The sacrament of matrimony is a wonderful gift and vocation to holiness. To assist you with this calling to a life of self-giving and commitment, the Church requires a couple to participate in marriage preparation programs.

The preparation for marriage is also known as “Pre-Cana.” This is taken from St. John’s Gospel, chapter 2:1-11, which teaches us of the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus transformed water into wine at the request of His Mother. Recall that this sign was the first manifestation of His glory and increased the apostle’s faith in Him.

Christ will be present not only at your wedding, but also throughout the Sacrament and ministry of your marriage. The Church is asking Him to renew the sign of Cana in your lives.

All marriage preparation programs are designed to complement the work performed in the parish, by a priest, deacon or lay minister. Please note that the Archdiocesan program, “Conjugal Love: Daily Self-Giving in Marriage,” and others are just one segment of your overall preparation process. This course presents the teachings of the Church as they apply to marriage:

Communication: A life of prayer in the domestic Church
Stewardship: God’s finances
Parenting: Our call and participation to co-creation
Natural family planning: The openness to life
The mystery of marital love and human sexuality
The Sacrament of matrimony: Our way to holiness

Please select from the following options:
Planning for the Wedding
Marriage preparation requirements, schedule and cost
Living Together: Cohabitation and the Church’s Moral Teaching