Engaged Encounter - The Engaged Encounter weekend is an intense weekend retreat experience that allows the couple time to examine and deepen their relationship with one another and with God, away from all the problems and distractions of daily life. Learn more about Engaged Encouter...

FOCCUS - For Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study is a process that helps engaged couples in identifying and affirming their strengths as well as alerting them to areas in their relationship that need to be addressed. About 13 to 18 categories can be explored. The FOCCUS is administered and offered as part of the preparation process by most parishes in the diocese, along with Catholic Charities.

Sponsor Couples - This is a parish-based program of marriage preparation in which a married "sponsor" couple is paired with an engaged couple from the parish. 

What happens in sponsor couple meetings?
The sponsor couple will guide the engaged couple through discussions of important topics related to marriage in a series of meetings, which are usually held in the home of the sponsor couple. 

Is there any literature to buy?
Most of the sponsor couples in our Diocese use the book, "For Better and For Ever" by Fr. Robert Ruhnke, C.SS.R., which is a book that was specially designed for use with sponsor couples. Fr. Ruhnke also has a website, www.marriagepreparation.com, that offers online ordering and more information.

How do I sign up for this program?
If you are an engaged couple interested in this program for marriage preparation, please contact your parish.  If you are a married couple interested in becoming a sponsor couple, contact your parish or Catholic Charities for more information