“The very preparation for Christian marriage is itself a journey of faith. It is a special opportunity for the engaged to rediscover and deepen the faith received in Baptism and nourished by their Christian upbringing. In this way they come to recognize and freely accept their vocation to follow Christ and to serve the kingdom of God in the married state.” (Familiaris Consortio, John Paul II, 1981, n. 51)
Welcome to Marriage Formation in the Diocese of Richmond. Our goal is to assist you in this “journey of faith” by identifying and guiding you through the steps and experiences necessary to prepare for marriage in our Catholic tradition. The focus of this preparation process is to provide you, the engaged couple, with a solid foundation for permanent, faithful and life giving love in your sacramental marriage.
A Message from Bishop DiLorenzo
Congratulations on being called to the Sacrament of Marriage! Marriage is the center of Catholic family life and the vocation through which most people live out their baptismal commitment. Read more »
News and Notes
- Engaged Couples -- Are you wondering if you are ready for marriage?. Read more »
- Newsletter: Marriage Formation and the Older Couple
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Parishes and Programs -- We are in the process of scheduling FOCCUS facilitator training for the coming 9 months. These classes are great for priests and deacons and for lay couples who are going to facilitate the 4-6 follow-up meetings with the engaged couple. In order to schedule a class, we must have at least six participants and a location. Please contact us at 804-359-5661 ext. 221 or marriageformation@richmonddioncese.org.
- FOCCUS pre-marital Inventory -- Did you know that the Catholic Engaged Encounter and the Christian Marriage Formation (contact: Loraine Tracy, 804-358-3539) programs offer to administer the FOCCUS Pre-marital Inventory. The results are forwarded to the priest or deacon who is preparing you for marriage. Contact the registration person for more information.