8303 Taft Street · Merrillville, IN 46410 · (219)769-1755

Marriage Preparation Class

The Marriage Preparation Program at Our Lady of Consolation is broken into two, four hour sessions that are conducted on successive Sundays in the spring and fall of each year. The purpose of the Marriage Preparation Program is to help couples prepare for the lifetime they'll share together after the wedding. Married facilitator couples will share their experiences and guide the group through a series of exercises. The exercises are an impartial opportunity to discuss and explore with your partner important topics, aspects, and expectations of marriage. At best, the exercises may illustrate some issues that you should address before getting married. At worst, the exercises will give you an independent confirmation that you are ready for marriage.

Overall, the topics can't be explored fully in the limited time available. Since each couple will probably have different items that they feel require more time, it is hoped that the exercises act as a springboard for further discussion between the two of you. While some of the topics covered are sensitive, the privacy of each couple is respected. We recommend attending at least 6 months prior to your wedding. This allows time for any serious issues to be addressed without the added pressure of an impending wedding date. There is no test or evaluation to pass. However, you must attend both sessions to complete the program.

Completion of a Marriage Preparation Program is mandatory. The cost is $50 per couple. Contact the office to register. If you have a conflict with the dates, the Diocese and other parishes in the area also conduct similar workshops. Consult Fr. Vamos or the office for details on other programs.