Formation for Engaged Couples in the Diocese of Tyler
Build a foundation of parish support, fall deeper in love, and prepare for the wonderful Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Congratulations!
You're Engaged...So what's next?
Engagement should be a time of joyful preparation.
Wedding details, honeymoon logistics, and planning for your life together are crucial, but what about preparing your minds and hearts for a lifetime commitment?
Modern marriages are under attack.
Engagement can be busy & stressful.
You can’t give what you don’t have.
What are you looking for in a marriage?
A happy marriage that lasts a lifetime.
Divorce, addiction, and conflict are common, but they don’t have to be.
An unbreakable bond with your spouse
Intimacy and unity consist of more than enjoying the same movies or long walks on the beach.
Unconditional love, no matter the cost.
Many of us have few examples of what what married love should be.
“Marriage has, in a sense, been something I feared simply because I know how sacred and important it really is. And unfortunately in today’s society there are many temptations; and one can easily get pulled down a negative path. However, because of the [marriage] formation program, we have a better idea and understanding of how together, as a couple, and together with Christ, any and all marital obstacles can be overcome.”
Crystal and Christian, Engaged Couple
Catholic marriage formation draws you closer together.
The Catholic Church has resources to equip you for your vocation. And it doesn’t end at the wedding.
Center your marriage in Christ.
Learn how your Faith plays an essential role in your relationship.
Understand the commitment.
Many couples are unaware of the roles and responsibilities of spouses.
Build a foundation of parish support.
Meet experienced couples and families who can help you on your journey.
Grow in intimacy with your spouse.
You will be surprised how much deeper your relationship will become.
Establish a marriage that flourishes in time.
Learn practical tools for appreciating each others differences.
Get excited about your life-long bond.
Marriage is exciting! We can’t wait for you to learn more about this holy vocation!
“It takes three to make love, not two: you, your spouse, and God. Without God people only succeed in bringing out the worst in one another. Lovers who have nothing else to do but love each other soon find there is nothing else. Without a central loyalty life is unfinished.”
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
What do I have to do to get married?
After you’ve popped the question, notify your parish as soon as possible!
Notify your Parish
Talk to your parish priest before you do anything else.
Mark you calendar
We require a 9-12 month formation period before your wedding day.
Start your program
Your local parish will help you stay on track with your formation.
What to expect
You will work with your pastor and parish staff to complete your marriage formation. Your pastor has final approval of your readiness for the sacrament of Matrimony.
NFP
Natural Family Planning gives couples a natural approach to understanding the cycles of fertility and infertility. This method respects the love-giving and life-giving purposes of marriage and enriches the bond between husband and wife.
Witness to Love
You will choose a mentor couple who will accompany you during your formation and your early years of marriage. You will have several meetings with them leading up to your wedding, and they will continue support you in the years to come.
Three to Get Married
The Three to Get Married retreat weekend will be an opportunity for you to grow closer to Jesus Christ and to one another. Here you will build on the topics you have discussed with your pastor and mentor couple.
Couples Assessment
The Prepare Enrich or FOCCUS couple assessment provides a personalized profile of your relationship. Your parish will set this up for you, and upon completion, the parish pastor or staff will schedule a follow-up session to review your results.
“This program has brought us closer to our faith and we have started attending Church every Sunday and praying together.”
— Luke & Katy, Engaged Couple
“The new marriage formation program has made an incredible difference for our couples at the Cathedral. We reach the couple exactly where they are… as individuals, and catechize not only the engaged but the mentors as well. I have watched, again and again, realization, trust, and conversion. It truly meets the needs of today’s engaged couples!”
— Jodi Todd, Marriage Formation Coordinator, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Support for the pastors, sponsor couples, and engaged couples in the Diocese of Tyler.
The St. Philip Institute is dedicated to providing the support to form new couples for marriage, to teach couples practical tools for strengthening their relationship and to instruct them in navigating the life of faith in marriage for a lifetime. We have developed the Three to Get Married Retreat specifically for engaged couples along with a formation plan leading up to and beyond the wedding day.