We are so excited that you and your fiancé/e are interested in affirming and strengthening your love for each other in the grace of Jesus Christ that is available to us in the Sacrament of Matrimony. We have the same excitement for couples already legally married, but who are seeking convalidation of their marriage in the Church. Please know that the diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, particularly the clergy and staff in your pastorate, are ready to accompany you as you prepare for this beautiful covenant. As you and your fiancé/e enter into this time of preparation, our hope is to establish your marriage on the best foundation possible so that it continues to bear the fruit of sacramental grace, blessing and happiness over a lifetime.

 Please contact your parish office at least six months prior to your desired wedding date.

Diocesan Marriage Policy
 

Approved Marriage Preparation Methods

The diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana has approved three distinct approaches for marriage preparation. These include mentor couple-led, hybrid and Pre-Cana retreat approaches. Each pastorate in the diocese may select one or more approaches and corresponding programs for use with their respective parishioners. The engaged couple, when meeting with pastorate clergy, will determine which approach offered by the pastorate is the best match for the couple’s needs. If an engaged couple’s circumstances are better suited to an approach being offered at another diocesan pastorate, they may seek approval from their pastor to participate in an approach offered elsewhere in the diocese.   

Mentor Couple Approach
 For this approach a diocesan trained and certified mentor couple leads the engaged couple through the theological and practical components of an approved marriage preparation program. These programs include approximately 12 sessions. The approved programs are as follows:

• Witness to Love
• Joy-Filled Marriage (Ascension Press)
• Beloved (Augustine Institute)
• Together in God’s Love (Our Sunday Visitor)

Hybrid Approach
 The hybrid approach uses a combination of pastorate ministry leaders and certified diocesan mentor couples. The pastorate ministers will provide a one-day retreat experience for a large group of engaged couples to provide theological formation while the mentor couples will meet with one or several engaged couples in approximately 5-6 sessions to cover the practical formation. The three programs approved for the hybrid approach are:

• Joy-Filled Marriage (Ascension Press)
• Beloved (Augustine Institute)
• Together in God’s Love (Our Sunday Visitor)

Pre-Cana Retreat Approach
 The Pre-Cana retreat approach is a condensed marriage formation program that occurs over three days on weekends. The diocese has partnered with One in Christ to provide retreat dates in our diocese and in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Engaged couples interested in One in Christ should first consult their pastor before enrolling in a One in Christ retreat.