Introduction
"You are about to enter into a union which is most sacred and most serious. It is most sacred because established by God himself; most serious because it will bind you together for life in a relationship so close and so intimate that it will profoundly influence your whole future." (1964 Roman Rite of Catholic Marriage)
Marriage preparation is worth the time and effort involved. A study conducted by Creighton University in 1995 randomly surveyed 700 couples married from one to eight years who had participated in marriage preparation. The results indicate that marriage preparation is most valuable when:
- it is conducted by a team of couples and parish staff
- it deals with real life issues such as conflict, communication, commitment, and values
- it uses a pre-marital inventory such as Better Together
Holy Trinity Parish Marriage Preparation Program includes all of these features. We use an excellent program called "Transformed in Love: Building your Catholic Marriage." We look forward to helping you get ready for this most sacred and beautiful and important relationship!
Pre-Marital Inventory
The pre-marital inventory is an "instrument for marriage preparation" which is required in our diocese. It is a questionnaire that each couple completes individually. The results create a profile of the couple's present relationship, highlighting areas of strength and also areas which would benefit from discussion and attention.
The inventory is not a test. There is no pass or fail grade. It is simply a "snapshot" of your relationship at the moment you complete the questionnaire. The inventory provides you with an overview of the issues that you as a couple would do well to discuss in order to further deepen your relationship.
A member of the marriage preparation team, trained in facilitating the inventory, is available to meet at a mutually convenient time with each couple to discuss the report.
"Holiness means giving ourselves in sacrifice every day, and so married life is a tremendous path to sanctity!" Pope Francis, 2014
Attendance
Each course runs Friday evening (from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm); Saturday and Sunday (9:00 am - 4:00 pm both days). Lunch is provided on the full days.
Couples are expected to attend all sessions and complete the pre-marital inventory. If all sessions cannot be attended, then please find an alternate program.
The location for each course is in the Hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 200 Boundary Road, Spruce Grove, Alberta
