Marriage is the unique Sacrament which binds one man and one woman together in a covenant under God and His Church. It is a Sacrament of vocation, a response to a specific calling that God has placed in the hearts of a couple. It is a bond that lasts for life which is permanent, faithful, and fruitful. Marriage is not just about two people, but is the foundation of the family, the "domestic church," the most basic and foundational structure, not only for the Church, but for all of society.

Marriage arrangements are usually made 9-12 months in advance of the wedding. These arrangements are made by scheduling an appointment with Fr. Dwight Ezop or Deacon Tom Fogle. They will walk you through the preparation porcess which includes:
1. FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) is a self diagnostic instrument designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. The initial assessment is completed online and then couples will meet with the priest , deacon, or FOCCUS Facilitator Couple to review the results. 
2. WE CARE communications skills seminar is a 2 day seminar sponsored by Catholic Charities of Lansing. The seminar teaches couples positive communication and conflict management skills for counteracting and limiting negative patterns of behaviour within marriage.
3. Catholic Information Series  has been developed to provide Catholic couples with a brief refresher about the basics of our Catholic faith. For inter-faith couples, it provides the Catholic party with the same update and offers an overview of basic Catholic teaching for the non-Catholic party. The series is designed to lovingly inform, but does not does not force the issue of conversion on the part of the non-Catholic.
4. Meeting about a month before the wedding with either the priest or deacon to go over any last minute details and the Wedding Liturgy itself.

Although not required, Engaged Encounter Weekend is another great opportunity to grow in your relationship with your fiance. Click on the link above for more information. 

In A Challenginng Marriage
Marriage is a herioc vocation; the Church has great compassion on those who find themselves in difficult marriages or have experienced divorce and/or have received a declaration of marriage nullity.. Check out the links just listed for assistance and also St. Vincent Catholic Charities offers hope through counseling.