Congratulations

...on your upcoming celebration of Holy Matrimony and sharing in this Sacrament! Your wedding is not only a very special day for the two of you but it is also a sacred event for the entire Church, and we want to be part of your celebration!

Before couples are married in the Catholic Church, we ask that you thoroughly prepare for this life-long sacrament. Marriage preparation or "Pre-Cana" is an umbrella term for the whole marriage preparation process. Pre-Cana is not a one day event as many believe it to be but a timely process in preparing for marriage. Here is a step-by-step guide to marriage preparation:

1. Read our Wedding Policies

1. Make contact with your Priest or Deacon as soon as possible after the engagement, but not less than six months prior to the wedding date.

2. Read the Couples Guide.

3. Set an appointment to take a pre-marital inventory, e.g., FOCCUS with your pastor or deacon. 
   
   The Diocese of Paterson requires that you attend two separate Pre-Cana programs before you are married.
   
   Pre-Cana Life Skills
   The Life Skills program offers practical insights and assistance in building a successful marriage. Topics covered include: Communication, Conflict Resolution, Family of Origin, Finances and more.
   
   God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage
   God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage" is designed to help engaged couples understand and embrace a Catholic vision of married love. The God's Plan session provides a full catechesis of the Church's teaching, in an uplifting manner that resonates within the human heart. Based on Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body", this session is intended to enhance a key component of marriage preparation: catechesis in the theology of marriage and the gift of human sexuality. 
   
   You can complete your Pre Cana requirements in several ways.
   
   Assumption Church Life Skills Session
   Complete your Life Skills requirement at a full day session at Assumption.  Meet other engaged couples and our Pre-Cana Ministry team as together we share our collective experiences on how to build a successful marriage.  Register online at www.assumptionparish.org/marriage.  The cost of the program is $125.00.  Couple must also complete the God’ Plan program at St. Paul Inside the Walls.
   
   St. Paul Inside the Walls Marriage Preparation Course 
   The Diocese of Paterson offers marriage preparation classes to serve engaged couples during the pandemic.  The couples will explore the same Ascension Press program normally offered, which includes options for God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage and Life Skills for Couples. Both courses offer a live presenter format, using an online Zoom webinar platform. This personal experience is pleasant and comfortable and fosters a sense of community with other engaged couples in our diocese.
   You have the option to take both session of your Pre-Cana required courses, (Life Skills and God’s Plan) or just God’s Plan if you are taking the Life Skills at Assumption Church.
   Please email our Pre-Cana coordinators Ken and Rosa Rose at arosarose@gmail.com when you have completed your course. www.insidethewalls.org/gods-plan-registration
   
   Ascension Press Joy-Filled Marriage, Certification Course (Fulfills all Pre-Cana Requirements)
   The Joy-Filled Marriage Program published by Ascension Press is the marriage preparation program utilized at our Pre-Cana sessions at Assumption Church for many years. Due to the global pandemic, Ascension Press has developed an online version of this program which offers dynamic presentations and encompasses all topics which are required by the Diocese. Once you register online, you will have access for one year to complete the program at your convenience.  At the end of the course, couples will receive a certificate with a serial number that they can forward or print for you to keep for your records. The Cost for the program is $50.00 When you register, use both participants names so they will both be printed on the completion certificate.
   Keep in mind the program must be completed before your wedding you marry.  Please email our Pre-Cana coordinators Ken and Rosa Rose at arosarose@gmail.com when you have completed your course.
   
   https://ascensionpress.com/products/joy-filled-marriage-certification-course