Posts Tagged ‘engaged’
Intimacy/Cohabitation
As a courting or engaged couple, you have probably discussed where to draw the line about sexual intimacy before marriage. The Catholic Church teaches that every act of sexual intercourse is intended by God to express love, commitment and openness to life in the total gift of the spouses to each other. This total commitment is possible only in [...]
Careers
Balancing career and family is one of the greatest challenges facing newly married couples. Just when you thought marriage was going to simplify your life, you start to realize that there are decisions ahead, such as: Whose career takes priority? Will both of us continue to work outside the home once we have children? Is [...]
Children
As an engaged couple you may have talked about when to start a family and how many children to have. Unless you’re entering a step-parent family, however, the nuts and bolts of daily parenting are probably not high on your radar screen. Here’s a checklist of items that couples should discuss before they get married. [...]
Faith and Spirituality
When couples are on the verge of a major life transition such as marriage, they begin to think about life, love, values…and the future. To a great extent this is what spirituality is about – our human search for happiness and the meaning of life. Is life just about the here and now? Do morals [...]
Personality Audit
Before entering into any healthy, intimate relationship, you need to know yourself. One important aspect of identity is personality. As you consider marriage, consider taking this Personality Audit. Print two copies and ask your fiance(e) to take it, too.
Finances
Perhaps you are approaching marriage on a sound financial footing. You’ve finished your education, have been employed for several years, maybe even have some savings or own a house. Perhaps you are set – or so you think. But having enough money for a comfortable lifestyle is not all that finances in marriage is about. [...]
Family of Origin
The term “Family of Origin” refers to the family that you grew up in – your parents and siblings. It may also include a grandparent, other relative, or divorced parents who lived with you during part of your childhood. These people strongly influence who we become. Men and women who grew up in relatively healthy, [...]
Preparation Resources
Marriage preparation programs come in many forms: residential weekends, a weekly series, one day programs, parish-based programs, and couple to couple meetings with a mentor couple. Here are some widely-used ones. Before I Do – Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage Contact: avemariapress.1@nd.edu A Decision to Love 800-321-0411 When Two Become One In this DVD, [...]
Rite for Celebrating Marriage Between a Catholic and an Unbaptized Person
The rite for a Catholic marrying a catechumen (one who is preparing for baptism), a non-Christian, or someone who does not believe in God exemplifies sensitivity for the unbaptized person and his/her family. This third form has the same four basic elements as the first two forms of the rite: questions about intent, exchange of consent, the blessing and exchange of rings, and the nuptial blessing.
Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside of Mass
When a Catholic marries a Christian of another denomination, the Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass is used. Hospitality suggests that this form is the appropriate one when a significant number of guests are not Catholic and cannot join in Holy Communion.
Rite for Celebrating Marriage Within Mass
The Catholic Rite of Marriage centers around two key moments: the Exchange of Consent and the Nuptial Blessing. Marriage is rooted in the couple’s mutual vows of faithful love and is blessed by God as an image of the marriage between Christ and the Church. The couple’s declaration of reciprocal consent and the nuptial blessing reveal the sacramental nature of marriage as the spouses become symbols of Christ’s selfless love.
Gospel Readings
Gospel reading suggestions for a Catholic wedding ceremony.
New Testament Readings
Readings and reflections from the New Testamant.
Old Testament Readings
Readings and reflections from the Old Testament.
After the Glass Slipper
The dream of couples who marry is to live “happily ever after.” With the passage of a little time, however, each spouse notices changes in the other; a variety of conflicts arise. Then, say the authors of “After the Glass Slipper,” the spouses may ask where the person they married went and if it is going to be possible for them to achieve their dream.
Premarital Inventories
Readiness for marriage cannot be scientifically measured, but an inventory helps engaged couples to make sure that they have discussed the most important issues. These are NOT tests, but rather instruments that prompt discussion on sometimes sensitive issues
Afraid a Budget Will Cramp Your Style?
Budgeting falls into the category of things that are good for you but not necessarily emotionally appealing, like flossing your teeth or exercising. The truth of the matter, though, is that everyone budgets. Drawing up a budget is just making your spending more intentional rather than allowing your whims to determine how you will spend your money or your time.
The Lunch Box Legacy
This is a generational story about lunch boxes. My daughter, Carole, wanted a new lunch box for first grade. To save money, I spray painted the old one, much to her dismay.
Family of Origin Exercise
Exchange answers with your fiancé(e). Which experience of your fiancé(e) is most different from yours? Discuss what impact this might have on your future marriage.
Planning a Catholic Wedding
Nowadays many engaged couples handle a lot of their own wedding planning. When at least one of the individuals is Catholic this can include making arrangements to be married in a Catholic church. This is a significant decision. It means more than just choosing an appropriate and picturesque setting for the ceremony and the photos! [...]
Frequently Asked Questions by Engaged Couples
How do I know if I’m ready to marry? Do you love this other person so much that you are willing to lay down your life for him or her and are ready to put their happiness before your own? Are you marrying out of strength (I know who I am and am happy with [...]
Getting Married Catholic
The Catholic Church has a long history of helping couples to prepare for marriage. It has learned a great deal that can benefit any couple, regardless of religion. Learn the steps for getting married Catholic
Dating
You’re dating or engaged. Great! Your love for each other is fresh and exciting. You may be close to making the most important commitment of your life. Perhaps your decision is already made and your commitment is firm. Or perhaps you are still wondering, still testing, still deciding whether this is the right person for [...]
Must-Have Conversations
As a dating or engaged couple, conversation probably comes easily. The two of you enjoy talking about just anything. Just about anything that is, except ugly disagreements. It doesn’t change much in marriage except there are more things to disagree about. You can’t run away from prickly conversations – for long. If anything, marriage accentuates [...]
Dating & Engaged
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