Getting Ready

Before couples arrive, have name tags ready, along with coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks.

As couples arrive and sign in, give each couple a packet of materials that includes:

• Freedom to marry — issues, questions, and processes. (This is critical information.)
• Encouraging couples to take fuller responsibility for their marriage. For example: the current divorce rate is 50% — what can couples do to make their marriage “divorce proof”?
• What role does religion play in marriage? What kind of conversations have the couple had about passing on their values to their children?
• What kind of conversations have they had about family planning? What do they know about the various methods available, and how would they learn more?
• What do they know about marital dialogue? (See the website for the video on Dialogue by Dave & Margie McKeon.)

While couples are waiting for the meeting to begin, direct them to fill out the Marriage Questionnaire — which collects basic information about the couple and their prospective wedding date, if they have one planned — and show them where to turn it in. Also explain how to write down any questions on the Question Box form and where to place it in the Question Box.

Part One: Welcome and Opening Prayer

Begin by asking: What kind of questions have you brought to this evening?

The leader accepts and addresses questions from the group, as well as any submitted through the Question Box. The goal is to establish open, positive dialogue between the parish leader and the couples considering marriage.

Note: Whoever leads this part must be skilled at handling questions in a way that encourages adults to keep asking them.

Part Two: Core Content

The leader covers the following content (if it wasn’t already addressed in Part One). This should be presented as a conversation with the group — not a lecture delivered at them.

• Freedom to marry — issues, questions, and processes. (This is critical information.)
• Encouraging couples to take fuller responsibility for their marriage. For example: the current divorce rate is 50% — what can couples do to make their marriage “divorce proof”?
• What role does religion play in marriage? What kind of conversations have the couple had about passing on their values to their children?
• What kind of conversations have they had about family planning? What do they know about the various methods available, and how would they learn more?
• What do they know about marital dialogue? (See the website for the video on Dialogue by Dave & Margie McKeon.)

Part Three: Walk Through the Packet

• Introduce For Better & For Ever® as a resource for private, couple-based study and dialogue. Make sure couples understand how the book is meant to be used: study, write, and share. Ideally, couples go through the entire book before deciding they’re ready to set a wedding date. · Refer couples to Hendrix’s Keeping the Love You Find: A Personal Guide.
• Point out relevant church policies on marriage preparation, liturgy planning, and other parish requirements.
• Ask if anyone has additional questions.

Part Four: Wrap Up

Close with a prayer. Be sure to let couples know: “I will be available for those who have additional questions you may prefer to ask privately.”