Marriage Preparation
Contact Robert Garan - robertg@cdh.org.nz
Just got engaged? Congratulations! Looking to get married in the Church and wondering what to do first?
Here are the basics of what you need to do to get married in the Catholic Church and in our diocese:
Book in your celebrant. Get in touch with your local priest or deacon to book them in and to learn about getting married in the Catholic Church (they will need to fill in some paperwork on your behalf).
Book in your church building of choice by getting in contact with the parish directly.
Book your preparation course. Have a look below for details about the course and to register. These courses are required by the Church.
Note: Please get in contact with all of the above at least 6 months out from your wedding date so that all of the above can be completed as smoothly as possible. Please complete the paperwork with the priest prior to registering for marriage preparation.
Your engagement is also a great time to take Natural Fertility Awareness (sometimes called NFP) classes to learn more about the beautiful gift of fertility and prepare to live a marriage that is open to life and God’s plan for your family. Email us for details of trainers in your area.
For couples who are currently civilly married outside of the Church and would like their marriage to be recognized by the Catholic Church, please get in touch with your parish priest.
Marriage Enrichment
Marriage is “a project to be worked on together” and a “process of growth” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia, no. 218, 221). Our Church provides opportunities for couples to deepen and refine their love for each other. Make your marriage a priority by seeking out enrichment opportunities together.
If your marriage has hit some serious difficulties, there are people who can help. Email us and we will help put you in touch with people who can help.
Teams Aotearoa
Give your marriage ongoing support through the friendship of other like-minded couples. Get in contact with Alex Bailey to learn more about this great initiative.
FORMED
Enrich your marriage and faith life by signing up to a free 40 day trial of online platform FORMED. The Beloved Marriage Course features and is suitable for those both Pre-marital and those married for many years seeking enrichment. Click Here to sign up.
“The image of God is the married couple: the man and the woman; not only the man, not only the woman, but both of them together. This is the image of God: love, God’s covenant with us is represented in that covenant between man and woman. And this is very beautiful!”
-Pope Francis, General Audience, April 2, 2014
Upcoming Marriage Preparation Courses
The Hamilton Diocese runs a course called Prepare-Enrich, a customized couple assessment completed online that identifies a couple's strength and growth areas. Visit prepare-enrich.com for more information on this course.
Based on a couple's assessment results, a trained facilitator couple or individual provides 4-8 feedback sessions in which the facilitators help the couple discuss and understand their results as they are taught proven relationship skills.
The course looks at the following areas: Communication, Conflict Resolution, Stress, Sex and Affection, Relationship Roles & Expectations, Financial Management, Children and Parenting, Personality, Couple & Family Dynamics, and Spiritual Beliefs.
The course is complemented and supported by Church teaching on marriage which affirms the couple in their decision to commit their lives in loving service to the other.
If you are located in the Hamilton Diocese, register for a marriage preparation course by emailing us below, and someone will be in touch as soon as possible.
Not sure if you are located in the Hamilton Diocese? Click here for a map of the Diocese.
Marriage Preparation Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My partner and I have been together (married civilly or de facto) for a number of years and have children together. Do we need to go through a marriage preparation course? A. Yes, Canon Law (Church law) requires that all couples wishing to receive the sacrament of matrimony be prepared so that they are fully aware of the holiness and the obligations of their new state in life (Canon 1063.2).
Q. I am a Catholic but my Fiance is not. Does my non-Catholic partner need to participate in the marriage preparation course? A. Yes, both parties must participate in marriage preparation. Marriage is about two becoming one, and both promising to live up to the commitments required of marriage, so both parties need to be aware of and committed to what makes a good marriage.
Q. My fiance is currently overseas and/or we plan to get married in another country. What do we do with regards to marriage preparation? A. Both parties entering into marriage need to participate in marriage preparation. Ideally, it is best for the couple to complete the preparation together. Thanks to modern technology, our volunteers are happy to work with you and your fiance to complete the course via teleconference, i.e. via Zoom or Skype. As we are volunteers, we may not always be able to help couples in this situation. Please email marriage@cdh.org.nz if this is your situation. NB. one person must reside in the Hamilton Diocese (click here to check).
Q. Are the marriage preparation courses the same as a pre-cana course? A. Yes, some countries such as the Philippines have different names for their courses, however, the nature of the courses and content covered are the same.
Q. Do we receive a certificate of completion of the course to show to our celebrant? A. Yes, on the completion of the course you will receive a certificate approved by the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, NZ. This is valid proof in overseas weddings also.
Q. Do I need a wedding candle? Where can I order one from? A. Candles are not essential to the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony. However, in many families, the lighting of the candle has become a tradition that represents the uniting of two families. This candle can also be lit by the couple in the years to come when they pray together, celebrate their wedding anniversary, etc. To order a wedding candle please go here to see a list of current suppliers that can design a custom candle for you. Please give them plenty of notice before your wedding day.
Further Questions? Email marriage@cdh.org.nz