Marriage

MISSION OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION FOR THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PEORIA

To support couples that are in preparation for the vocation of marriage through an encounter with God. To present God’s plan for marriage as a covenant equipping them to love as He loves: free, total, faithful, and fruitful.

Marriage Preparation in the Diocese of Peoria

“The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church” (CCC 1660)

The Diocese of Peoria and the Office of Mission Support welcomes you and your desire to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony. We are ready to assist you during this time of preparation as you explore the mystery of Catholic marriage.

The Diocesan Marriage Preparation follows a sequence of meetings and programming. A minimum of six months are required to ensure enough time for preparation. This process begins with calling your parish and establishing communication with them. If you do not have a parish, please contact the Office of Mission Support at the Diocese, and we would be happy to assist you.

Steps for Marriage

The priest will get to know you and your fiancé and begin to gather information about you both - this information will be gathered into a marriage file.
Depending on the parish, you may be asked to complete the FOCCUS inventory, or a similar tool. This assessment utilizes a series of questions designed to assess each of your habits, expectations, and values.
The Genesis Retreat is a two-part retreat required to be completed over a weekend or two individual one-day sessions, if needed. All program offerings are hosted by the Office of Mission Support at Sacre-Coeur Retreat Center.
PART A - THE THEOLOGY OF MARRIAGE* *prerequisite to attending Part B
PART B - THE SKILLS OF MARRIAGE
The Priest or Deacon preparing you for marriage at your parish will establish these meetings with you as a couple. You will follow-up with them after attending The Genesis Retreat.
As the date of your wedding approaches, you will meet with a representative of the parish to finalize plans for the ceremony according to the Marriage Rite and address any additional needs that you have.
As the date of your wedding approaches, we recommend that you take this opportunity to enter into the sacramental life of the church by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, regularly attending Sunday mass, and becoming involved in the parish community prior to your wedding day.

Diocesan Marriage Preparation Printable Resource

NFP Resources

Marriage preparation includes opportunities to learn more about your fertility through methods of education that can equip and empower you to learn how to track your reproductive health. Couples may also explore information about foster care and adoption.

Matt Faley
Chief of Mission
mfaley@cdop.org