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Vatican's Marriage Catechumenal Process Explained: A Complete Guide for Catholic Couples
Vatican's Marriage Catechumenal Process Explained: A Complete Guide for Catholic Couples
As a Catholic Marriage Tribunal Judge for the past nineteen years, I have observed that ignorance is one of the primary causes of invalid and putative marriages.
I believe the innovative Vatican Marriage Catechumenal Process, if implemented, will help address this issue and strengthen Catholic marriage preparation beyond traditional pre-Cana programs.
To illustrate the importance of proper marriage preparation in the Catholic Church, consider the story of Gerardo and Bernice Robledo.
A decade ago, despite family pressure to have a Catholic wedding, the couple opted for a civil ceremony, feeling unprepared in their faith.
Years later, as their faith deepened, they felt ready to marry in the Catholic Church. Their parish guided them through a six-month preparation period, known as a "marriage path."
This comprehensive guide explains the Vatican's Marriage Catechumenal Process and its potential to strengthen Catholic marriages through mentorship, formation, and ongoing support.
What is the Vatican's Marriage Catechumenal Process?
A Process Modelled After Baptismal Preparation
The Marriage Catechumenal Process draws inspiration from the Church's preparation of adults for the sacraments of initiation, including baptism.
Just as catechumens undergo a period of formation before receiving the sacrament of baptism, couples now engage in a more comprehensive preparation before receiving the sacrament of matrimony.
Pope Francis emphasises that Catholic marriage preparation should be integrated into the broader journey of matrimonial life.
In his words, marriage is not merely a single-day celebration, but a lifelong commitment that requires thorough preparation and continuous support.
As he stated in his address to the Roman Rota in 2018, "Marriage preparation should be a kind of 'Christian initiation' to the sacrament of matrimony" (Vatican News).
Historical Development
This approach to Catholic marriage preparation is not entirely novel. The concept first emerged during the 1980 Synod of Bishops on the Family.
Pope John Paul II formally proposed it in his 1981 apostolic exhortation "Familiaris Consortio," where he wrote: "The preparation of young people for marriage and family life and their formation in the values of marriage should become a major concern" (Familiaris Consortio, 66).
Despite this early recommendation, most dioceses continued with traditional pre-Cana programs. The idea resurfaced during the 2015 Synod on the Family, gaining strong support from Pope Francis.
The 2022 document, "Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life," now provides dioceses with a comprehensive framework for implementing the marriage catechumenate.
Theological Foundation
The Catholic Church views marriage as a sacrament—a visible sign of God's invisible grace.
Saint Paul's comparison of marriage to Christ's relationship with the Church underscores this sacred dimension: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).
Catholic doctrine defines marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, oriented toward their mutual good and the procreation and education of children.
The Marriage Catechumenal Process aims to help couples fully understand and embrace this vocation through comprehensive preparation for sacramental matrimony.
The Four Phases of the Marriage Catechumenal Process
The Vatican's approach divides Catholic marriage preparation into four distinct phases:
Phase 1: Remote Preparation (Before Engagement)
This foundational phase begins in childhood and continues through adolescence and young adulthood. It encompasses:
Developing an understanding of love, respect, and healthy relationships
Learning Catholic teaching on marriage and family
Cultivating virtues essential for married life
Witnessing authentic marriages within family and community
Professor Tory Baucum from Benedictine College emphasises: "We need to teach about marriage from a young age. People need to see good marriages" (Catholic Review).
The Vatican document highlights the family's crucial role: "In a Catholic home, you learn about marriage by seeing it lived out.
If you do not have that example, you need extra support" (Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life).
Phase 2: Proximate Preparation (During Engagement)
This phase typically spans approximately a year during engagement, although the duration may vary according to each couple's circumstances.
Pope Francis describes marriage preparation as "a dress that must be 'custom-made' for the people who will wear it" (Amoris Laetitia, 207).
During this period, couples:
Deepen their understanding of marriage as a sacrament.
Acquire practical skills for married life.
Strengthen their prayer life and faith formation.
Integrate into parish life.
Receive guidance from Catholic marriage mentor couples.
Phase 3: Immediate Preparation (Final Months Before Wedding)
This phase focuses on the immediate lead-up to the wedding day:
Planning the liturgical celebration
Engaging in spiritual preparation, possibly including a retreat
Addressing practical wedding arrangements
Deepening understanding of matrimony as a sacrament
Phase 4: Accompaniment in the First Years of Marriage
A distinctive feature of this approach is the continued accompaniment of Catholic marriages after the wedding.
This support typically extends for two to three years and includes:
Ongoing parish community support
Regular meetings with mentor couples
Continued formation in living the sacrament of matrimony
Active participation in parish life as a married couple
Support during the critical early years of marriage
Ryan Verret, co-founder of the marriage ministry Witness to Love, affirms: "There is no limit to what God can do in a marriage" (Diocese of Tyler).
This phase acknowledges that the wedding marks only the beginning of a lifelong journey requiring ongoing support.
Benefits of the Marriage Catechumenal Process
This comprehensive approach offers several advantages over traditional pre-Cana programs:
Deeper Understanding of Sacramental Marriage
The extended preparation period enables couples to develop a deeper understanding of marriage as a sacrament.
They come to view their union not merely as a personal commitment but as a divine calling accompanied by specific graces and responsibilities.
Julia Dezelski of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops notes that this deeper understanding helps address the "worrying decline" in marriage rates and the "concerning" number of invalid marriages (USCCB).
Mentorship from Experienced Couples
A cornerstone of this approach is the guidance provided by experienced married couples.
Mary-Rose Verret, co-founder of Witness to Love, observes that "virtue is caught, not taught," explaining:
"You cannot learn to be a good spouse just by reading a book, watching a video, or sitting in a classroom. You need to see it lived out and learn from good examples" (Witness to Love).
The Witness to Love program encourages engaged couples to select a church-going couple whose marriage they admire and respect.
This creates a relationship of trust and friendship that continues beyond the wedding day.
Practical Skills for Married Life
Beyond theological formation, couples acquire practical tools essential for married life, including:
Effective communication techniques
Healthy conflict resolution strategies
Financial management as a couple
Catholic understanding of intimacy
Natural family planning according to Church teaching
Integration of Faith into Daily Lifee
The process helps couples discover concrete ways to incorporate their faith into everyday married life.
From shared prayer to celebrating liturgical seasons as a family, couples learn to make their Catholic faith the foundation of their domestic church.
Transformative Impact
The effectiveness of this approach is evident in couples like the Robledos.
Their six-month preparation enabled them to address relationship challenges and deepen their commitment before exchanging vows.
Similarly, Drew and Natalie Hall's betrothal ceremony enriched their engagement experience and became an educational opportunity when wedding guests inquired about this unfamiliar tradition.
How to Implement the Vatican Marriage Catechumenal Process
Whether you are discerning marriage, engaged, or already married, you can benefit from this approach:
Finding Parishes with Catechumenal Preparation
While the Vatican's document is still being implemented across dioceses, some parishes and ministries already incorporate elements of this approach.
Contact your parish or diocesan family life office to inquire about available parish-based marriage preparation programs.
Organisations like Witness to Love, which serves over 500 parishes, offer marriage preparation aligned with this vision.
They emphasise mentor couples and relationship-building over merely fulfilling requirements.
Selecting Mentor Couples
If you are engaged, consider identifying a married couple whose relationship you admire and who actively practice the Catholic faith.
Ask if they would be willing to guide you through your preparation and early years of marriage.
Mary-Rose Verret observes that "almost every engaged couple knows a couple who goes to church, who has been married at least five years, whose marriage they admire. Otherwise, they would not be getting married" (Witness to Love).
Recommendations for Different Life Stages
This approach offers valuable guidance at every stage:
For those discerning marriage: Focus on developing virtues and understanding Catholic teaching on marriage.
For engaged couples: Embrace a more comprehensive preparation that includes spiritual growth and the development of practical skills.
For newly married couples: Seek ongoing formation and mentorship during your first years of marriage.
For long-married couples: Consider becoming mentors to engaged or newly married couples, sharing your experiences and wisdom to support them.
Helpful Resources
Several resources can assist couples and parishes in implementing elements of this approach:
The Vatican document "Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life" (Vatican Website)
Witness to Love marriage preparation program (witnesstolove.org)
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops resources on marriage preparation (usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries)
Your local diocesan family life office
Five Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Catholic Marriage
Whether preparing for marriage or seeking to enrich your existing marriage, here are five actionable steps inspired by the Marriage Catechumenal Process:
1. Pray Together Regularly
Make prayer the cornerstone of your relationship. Begin and end each day with prayer, attend Mass together regularly, and consider praying the rosary together as a couple every week.
This shared spiritual practice creates a foundation for navigating life's challenges together.
2. Learn from Mentor Couples
Develop relationships with couples who are 5-10 years ahead of you in marriage, as well as those with decades of experience. Their wisdom and example can provide invaluable guidance for your journey.
3. Engage in Parish Life
Become active members of your parish, not merely Sunday attendees. Join ministry groups, volunteer together, and build relationships with other Catholic couples. This community will provide support throughout your marriage.
4. Continue Learning About Marriage
Catholic marriage preparation does not conclude at the altar. Continue exploring the Church's teaching on marriage through books, retreats, and programs designed for married couples.
Consider an annual marriage retreat to reflect on your relationship and establish goals for growth.
5. Discern Your Marriage Mission
Prayerfully consider God's purpose for your marriage. What unique gifts do you bring to the relationship as a couple?
How is God calling you to serve others through your marriage? This shared mission provides direction and meaning to your life together.
The Three C's Framework for Catholic Marriage
Consider this simple framework for implementing these steps:
Commitment: Dedicate specific time each week to your marriage, treating it as a top priority.
Communication: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your relationship, addressing concerns before they escalate into problems.
Community: Surround yourself with supportive couples who share your values and can encourage your growth.
Reflection Questions for Couples
Take time to discuss these questions with your spouse or fiancé:
How do we perceive God at work in our relationship right now? Where might He be asking us to grow?
What married couples do we admire, and what qualities of their relationships would we like to emulate in ours?
What prayer practices can we incorporate into our daily routine to strengthen our connection with God and with one another?
How might God be calling us to serve others through our marriage?
What challenges do we anticipate in living out our Catholic marriage, and how can we prepare to face them together as a couple?
Addressing Common Concerns About Catholic Marriage Preparation
Many couples have questions or concerns about this approach to marriage preparation:
"We do not have time for extended preparation."
While this approach recommends more extended preparation periods, the document emphasises flexibility and adaptation to each couple's situation.
As Pope Francis notes, marriage preparation should be "custom-made" for the individuals involved (Amoris Laetitia, 207).
The goal is not to create obstacles but to provide the best possible foundation for a lifelong commitment.
"We are already cohabiting or civilly married."
This approach welcomes couples at all stages, including those who are already cohabiting or in a civil marriage.
Like the Robledos, many couples find that the process helps them understand the sacramental dimension of marriage and make a more informed commitment.
"We are uncertain about our place in the Church."
The marriage preparation process can serve as a path back to the Church for couples who feel distant from it.
Mary-Rose Verret notes that "most engaged couples do not even have a relationship with Jesus or trust the church," which is why having relatable mentor couples is so important (Witness to Love).
"Our marriage is experiencing difficulties."
This vision extends beyond wedding preparation to ongoing support throughout married life.
As an article from the Diocese of Tyler emphasises: "And what if our marriage and family are currently experiencing much brokenness and hurt?
The Church still wants you! It may be that the most important thing that we do as a couple is not to lead a certain ministry or initiative, but to let Christ love our family where we are and allow his merciful love to heal us" (Diocese of Tyler).
"We do not feel qualified to mentor other couples."
Many married couples doubt their ability to serve as mentors, feeling their marriage is not "perfect" enough.
However, this approach emphasises that what matters is not perfection, but authenticity and a willingness to share your journey.
As Ryan Verret encourages, "We need to move from being observers of the needs of the church to meeting the needs of the church" (Diocese of Tyler).
Catholic Marriage Preparation Beyond the Wedding Day
The Vatican's Marriage Catechumenal Process represents a significant shift in how the Catholic Church prepares couples for marriage.
By extending formation before and after the wedding day, providing mentorship from experienced couples, and incorporating both spiritual and practical elements, this approach offers a more comprehensive path to living out the sacrament of matrimony.
As Pope Francis writes in Amoris Laetitia, this approach aims to "prevent the increase of invalid or inconsistent marriages" while providing couples with the necessary preparation to live out their vocation faithfully (Amoris Laetitia, 207).
This process reminds us that marriage is not a private affair but a sacrament that builds up the entire Church community.
As one article beautifully states: "As couples who have celebrated this sacrament, we are called to be signs of God's love in the world" (National Catholic Register).
Whether you are discerning marriage, preparing for your wedding, or seeking to strengthen your existing marriage, the principles of this approach offer valuable guidance for your journey.
By embracing this vision of marriage formation as a lifelong process, supported by the Church community and grounded in prayer, Catholic couples can build marriages that truly reflect Christ's love for His Church.
As Pope John Paul II wrote in Familiaris Consortio, "The future of humanity passes by way of the family" (Familiaris Consortio, 86).
Through this new Marriage Catechumenal Process, the Church invites couples to build families that serve as beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs both.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marriage Catechumenate
What distinguishes this new approach from traditional pre-Cana?
Traditional pre-Cana typically involves a series of classes or a weekend retreat focused primarily on providing information.
This new approach is more comprehensive, extending beyond the wedding, emphasising mentorship by experienced couples, and focusing on formation rather than just information.
How long does this marriage preparation process take?
The Vatican document suggests approximately a year of preparation during engagement and 2-3 years of support after the wedding.
However, Pope Francis emphasises that these timelines should be adapted to each couple's circumstances and needs.
Is this approach being implemented in all parishes?
Implementation varies by diocese and parish. According to Julia Dezelski from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, most dioceses and parishes are "at the very beginning" of implementing this approach, and "this process will most likely take many years, maybe decades" (Catholic Review).
What if our parish does not offer this type of preparation?
Discuss your interest in a more comprehensive preparation process with your pastor.
You may also want to contact your diocesan family life office for resources or connect with organisations like Witness to Love, which offer this style of marriage preparation.
Can already-married couples benefit from this approach?
Absolutely! This vision includes ongoing formation throughout married life.
Married couples can seek out mentorship, participate in marriage enrichment programs, and even become mentors to engaged or newly married couples.
Prayer for Engaged and Married Couples
Heavenly Father,
You created marriage as a sign of Christ's love for His Church.
Bless all engaged and married couples with your grace and wisdom.
Guide those preparing for marriage to understand this sacred commitment.
Strengthen those already married to grow in love and faithfulness each day.
May all Catholic marriages reflect Your divine love to the world,
Moreover, many couples find in you the strength to overcome all challenges.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
About the Author: Fr. Michael C. Chime is a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Nigeria and a Judge at the Enugu Inter-diocesan Marriage Tribunal.
References
1. Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. (2022). "Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life." Vatican.
2. Pope Francis. (2016). "Amoris Laetitia." Vatican.
3. Pope John Paul II. (1981). "Familiaris Consortio." Vatican.
4. National Catholic Register. (2022). "Vatican's New Document Welcomes Marriage Catechumenate."
5. Catholic Review. (2022). "Experts Unpack Vatican-Recommended Catechumenate for Marriage."
6. Diocese of Tyler. (2023). "Why Is the Church Talking About a Marriage Catechumenate and What Can Married Couples Do to Get Involved?"
7. Witness to Love. (n.d.). "About Us."
8. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). "Marriage and Family Life Ministries."
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