T

he following guidelines were developed to assist the Archdiocese of Chicago in its outreach to those in and aspiring to married life in Christ. This volume represents a development of significant departure from the “Guidelines for Marriage Preparation,” implemented in 1979. That document focused exclusively on the engagement period and the related programs provided by parishes and the archdiocese for marriage preparation. This revised set of guidelines, however, looks at broader aspects of the Sacrament of Matrimony and takes a comprehensive view regarding ministry to the vocation of Christian marriage. Therefore, it is written for all who minister to Christian marriage in the Catholic Church—this includes catechists, parish secretaries, music ministers, and campus ministers, as well as priests, deacons, pastoral associates, and marriage preparation teams.

Rather than focus only on marriage preparation for the engagement period (proximate preparation), this document addresses the lifelong influences that shape attitudes and present learning experiences that affect Christian marriage. Those experiences have been delineated into four general categories: Formation, Preparation, Celebration, and Continuing Education. These four are distinct areas of opportunity for the Church to evangelize and catechize on the Sacrament of Matrimony. Presented in this document are opportunities for persons who are considering Christian marriage, their families, parishes, and the Archdiocese, to foster marital unions that are open to God’s grace and reflective of God’s love. This effort starts at birth and continues throughout life.

 The Archdiocese of Chicago has been a pioneer in preparation for Christian marriage and has created and continues to sustain an effective outreach to the engaged. Dedicated volunteer married couples and clergy have established the various programs in this ministry since the 1940s. The quality of the marriage preparation programs and the dedication of the people who provide them give us a firm foundation from which we are able to build a comprehensive outreach to lifelong Christian marriage in the Archdiocese of Chicago. With the teachings of the Second Vatican Council as its foundation, these guidelines are designed for ministry in the Third Millennium.

For resources in ministry to the vocation of Christian marriage, please contact the Family Ministries Office.

I thank all the people, ordained and lay, who work in ­ministry to the vocation of Christian marriage, for their dedication to and care for those aspiring to live the sacrament. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide all of us in this important work of the Church. May the Lord bless all who minister to the people of God.

 

In the Spirit of Cana,
Frank Hannigan
Director, Family Ministries