Proximate Preparation | Time Frame |
| Schedule an initial meeting with your priest, deacon, or marriage preparation minister. Be sure to schedule this appointment before booking a reception site, etc. | 8-12 months in advance of your desired wedding date. |
Complete a marriage preparation inventory at your parish (FOCCUS Inventory). This tool is designed to assess the strengths of your relationship and areas that may need growth. | Within first few weeks of proximate preparation. |
| STEP 1- Theology Component Option 1: Attend a one-day couple's workshop called God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage. These classes are offered at various locations throughout the archdiocese. Option 2: Attend the Evening Marriage Preparation Program offered by Catholic Marriage Preparation, Inc. Click here for more information. Please note, completion of this program will fulfill both Step 1 and Step 3 of your marriage preparation. Option 3: Attend the Marriage Builder Weekend offered by Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Click here for more information. Please note, completion of this program will fulfill both Step 1 and Step 3 of your marriage preparation. Option 4: Attend the "Covenant of Life Marriage Preparation Retreat" at Church of the Risen Christ. Click here for more information and to download a registration form. This retreat fulfills both Step 1 and Step 3 of your marriage preparation process. | To be completed within the first few months of proximate preparation. There are two options available to you for completion of this step. |
| STEP 2- Natural Family Planning This step focuses on the training of Natural Family Planning (NFP). Three organizations offer NFP training and certification in this Archdiocese. See the Natural Family Planning page for information on each organization and instruction for registration. To see a current schedule online, please click here. | These classes should be scheduled within the first few weeks of proximate preparation and completed before the wedding date. |
| STEP #3- Life Skills Component The life-skills component is intended to help you fine-tune some practical skills such as handling conflict, finances, decision making, etc. To begin this step, talk with your priest/deacon about possible options available to you at your parish and to discuss the other available options listed. Option 1: Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend. Click here to see retreat schedule and to register. Option 2: Private meeting with your priest/deacon, or married mentor couple to review pre-marital inventory (FOCCUS test) mentioned above. Option 3: Catholic Marriage Preparation, Inc., also explained under Step #1, will fulfill both Step #3 and Step #1 of your preparation process. Click here for more information. See schedule of the Catholic Engaged Encounter Dates. Option 4: Life Skills Workshop offered at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Boulder.
This program is facilitated by trained volunteers and provides an opportunity for couples to communicate intimately with one another in order to deepen and enrich their relationship. Click here for more information and to register. Option 5: St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church also explained under Step #1, will fulfill both Step #3 and Step #1 of your preparation process. Click here for more information. | This step can be completed anytime throughout proximate or immediate preparation. |
Immediate Preparation | Time Frame |
| This period of preparation entails a final meeting with your priest, deacon, or marriage preparation minister and a time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Time is also devoted to planning the wedding liturgy. | Last 2 months prior to the celebration of marriage. |
