This is a 2-day hybrid program* (since August 2021) for first-time marriages. It takes place on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 8:30 AM to  approximately 11:30 AM virtually and 12:45-5:00 PM LIVE (usually in Walnut Creek). You will spend the sessions in deep couple conversation, reflection, and prayer, as well as hearing from Marriage Team presenting couples. 
Testimonial:
“I think our bond grew stronger this weekend. We appreciated the discussions...It was great to get undistracted time together to talk deeply, openly, thoroughly..Helped strengthen my understanding of God in our marriage and what our love represents....I feel closer to God after this weekend because I feel closer to my fiance...”

*Additional requirement to take at least an overview session on Natural Family Planning with one of our instructors. See list here.

This is a 2-day hybrid program (since August 2021) for first-time marriages. It takes place on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 8:30 AM to  approximately 11:30 AM virtually and 12:45-5:00 PM LIVE (usually in Walnut Creek). You will spend the sessions in deep couple conversation, reflection, and prayer, as well as hearing from Marriage Team presenting couples.

Convalidation
This program is designed for those couples who are married civilly and now wish to marry in the Church. Some couples, because of differences in religious background or, a sense of distance from the Church at the time of their marriage, or due to complicating family situations, were married civilly or in some other manner that did not meet the Catholic Church's legal requirements for a valid church marriage. Those couples missed out then on marriage preparation and the graces from the Sacrament of Matrimony.

This is also the weekend for couples, where one or both of the individuals, have a child (children) together or from a previous relationship.

Remarriage
The Remarriage Preparation program is for those considering remarriage after death/divorce of a spouse or for those entering marriage for the first time with someone who has been married before. The following topics are discussed with a view to living with a different person who may or may not have children. You are guided to have deep conversations from a new perspective.on familiar marital topics:

• Values
• Communication
• Finances
• Faith and Marriage
• Sex and Intimacy (with a different partner)
• Previous Marital History/ Blending Families
• Sacramental Marriage

This is also the weekend for couples, where one or both of the individuals have a child (children) together or from a previous relationship.
Testimonial:
"Listening to how our instructors had their problems and managed to improve was a big help...I knew some information already, but I appreciated hearing other people's stories."

If you need more information about the kinds of marriage prep covered in this combined course, please call 510-267-8392.

¿Hablas Español?

Si usted prefiere que el programa se presente enteramente en español, favor de llamar a Ana al 510-267-8371 para inscribirse para ese fin de semana.

Introducción a Preparación Matrimonial
Esta información explica la variedad de opciones disponibles para la preparación matrimonial ofrecida por la Diócesis de Oakland. Aunque cada programa tiene un formato diferente, toda la preparación incluye un contenido similar que incorpora  facetas esenciales para un matrimonio cristiano:

• Desarrollo de habilidades de comunicación
• Permanencia del compromiso matrimonial
• Como convertirse en una familia en el mundo moderno
• El sexo en el matrimonio - un don divino
• La presencia de Dios en su matrimonio
• Oportunidades de enriquecimiento

Reconozco el esfuerzo que implica planear una boda. Sin embargo, creo sinceramente que su participación en nuestro programa de preparación matrimonial será un recurso duradero que le ayudará a mantener su relación mucho más allá del día de la boda.

Le invito a que le de prioridad a esta importante preparación, completando el programa prematrimonial por lo menos tres meses antes de la fecha de su boda, para que esta experiencia no se convierta en un ejercicio de última hora.

Por favor póngase en contacto con la Oficina de Vida Familiar tan pronto como sea posible, ya que se atiende primero a la parejas que se registran con suficiente anticipación.  Oramos por las bendiciones de Dios en su matrimonio, mientras planean su futuro juntos y esperamos poder servirles  efectivamente para que su futuro sea enriquecedor.

This program consists of several sessions. Each session meets generally on the same evening for six or seven consecutive weeks. The couple/couples leading the evening series will determine which day of the week the evening sessions are held, based on availability of all participants and whether it will be virtual, live, or hybrid.

The sessions typically begin between 7 PM and end at approximately 10 PM. The necessary materials are supplied, and the following topics are covered:

• Family of Origin
• Marriage Today
• Communication in Love
• Finances
• God and Marriage
• Sexuality in Marriage
• Conflict Resolution
• Sacrament of Marriage

Schedule and Fees - $300 per couple
Call Mimi at 510-267-8392 to discuss or email her.