The Diocese of Wilmington’s marriage preparatory policy and guidelines require that contact with the parish priest or deacon be initiated one year before the date of the proposed marriage.
The policy includes three steps.
One is a series of meetings with the priest or deacon to start formal preparation, determine readiness to marry, and explore the religious dimension of married life.
The second is small group meetings with engaged couples at the parish level.
The third is participation in an educational program to provide information, build skills and share insights of experienced married couples.
The diocesan Office for Marriage and Family Life has two programs to meet this third step this year. Pre-Cana and Remarriage are available throughout the year at various locations.
The cost for these programs is $125. Checks and registration forms should be sent to Diocese of Wilmington, Marriage Preparation, 1626 N. Union St., Wilmington, DE 19806.
For more information, call the office at (302) 295-0657.
The schedule:
Pre-Cana
St. Joseph on the Brandywine Family Center, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville: Oct. 4, 18; Nov. 1, 15.
Office for Marriage and Family Life, 1626 N. Union St., Wilmington: Sept. 13, 27; June 10, 17, 24; July 8, 15, 22; Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; and Nov. 4, 11, 18.
St. Margaret of Scotland social room, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark: June 14, 28; July 12, 26
St. Ann’s, 691 Garfield Ave., Bethany Beach: Nov. 2, 16.
Holy Cross Early Learning Center, 631 S. State St., Dover: Oct. 4, 18.
Salisbury, Md.: Must take four classes from among the following dates: June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20.
Remarriage
These are held at the Office for Marriage and Family Life on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9. The program runs June 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 14, 21, 28.
