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Preparing for Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement!

Marrying in the Catholic Church is more about being married in front of your family and friends.  Marrying in the Catholic Church is serving God’s purpose to the sacredness of the marriage vows – entering freely, faithfully, and totally into the marital relationship.  This is God’s Desire for your marriage. 
 
Getting Married in Vermont – download this Marriage Prep Brochure
 
Where do we start?
Contact the pastor at the parish where you wish to be married.  Do this before you set any wedding date!
How long do we need to prepare?
Allow yourselves 6-8 months as you will be meeting with the pastor, working on your relationship skills, discovering the beauty of the theology or teachings of marriage in the Catholic faith, and completing paperwork with your pastor.
What is Natural Family Planning and why do we have to take it?
Briefly, you will both learn the value of shared responsibility of marital sexuality that is natural, effective, healthy, and consistent with God’s plan for life, love, and marriage.
Click here for Vermont NFP Instructors 

 

What do we need to do to prepare?
Take time for each other and talk about your relationship after the wedding.  What do you each desire your life to be like?
Read more information here Marriage Preparation Checklist 2022
What is we do not live in Vermont, but want to have our wedding here?
You will need to work with the pastor of the parish in the state you live in, and prepare for your marriage there.  You will also need to contact the pastor in the parish in Vermont where you wish to marry.  Please be sure to contact each pastor prior to finalizing your “venue” plans.
What if we still have questions?
Please ask your pastor or marriage preparation coordinator at your parish.  You can also contact Terri McCormack at (802) 658-6110, Ext. 1451 or tmccormack@vermontcatholic.org
 
 
Wedding Feast at Cana

Jesus transforms water into wine – his first miracle.

 
Diocesan Marriage Preparation Retreat Day
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In-Person Retreat for 2022 
The Diocese of Burlington offers both In-Person and Virtual Retreats as one of the three steps to prepare for your marriage.
 
Saturday, April 30
St. John Vianney, So. Burlington   
10am – 2pm

Please contact Terri McCormack at tmccormack@vermontcatholic.org to register and videos to watch prior to attending.  RSVP by 3/26/2022.

Couples attending are asked to have:
  • completed survey with Priest/Deacon preparing them
  • completed or are half completed the Marriage Preparation (Online or with Mentor Couple)
  • completed or are half completed the NFP
  • viewed and discussed together recommended videos prior to the Retreat Day. (These will be shared prior to the retreat)
 
 
For future retreats please contact:

Terri McCormack, Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, tmccormack@vermontcatholic.org      

 

 

Marriage Preparation Resources

 

“How to live a good marriage? United in the Lord, who always renews our love and strengthens it to overcome every difficulty.” —Pope Francis

VT Catholic Magazine

Contacts