What are the premarital talks for church ceremonies?

  • Share This
Evelyn Carpenter

José Puebla

If both bride and groom are Catholic, or even if only one is, they will probably want to consecrate their love in a religious ceremony, but before the big day arrives, they will need to prepare themselves with prenuptial talks given at the church.

So, if you've just gotten engaged and are already looking for a place to contract the holy sacrament, check out the answers to these seven frequently asked questions about premarital courses.

    1. What are premarital talks?

    The so-called premarital catechesis is a mandatory requirement for marriage in the Catholic Church.

    These meetings have the objective of accompanying and preparing the bride and groom on their way to the altar, but at the same time projecting the couple's life into the future, always under the faith and values professed by Catholicism.

    In this way, contents such as the vision of Catholic marriage, the couple's relationship, coexistence and communication, sexuality, family planning, child rearing and home economics, among others, are addressed.

    Along with the conversation that is generated in an intimate, warm and relaxed atmosphere, the monitors use didactic material to present the topics, whether they are questionnaires, worksheets or videos.

    In addition, there is reflection on the Bible reading and practical exercises, such as conflict resolution.

    Prematrominal catechesis is obligatory. Mixed couples are those between a baptized Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic, while mixed couples are those between a baptized Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic.

    Casona Calicanto

    2. Who officiates?

    The prenuptial talks are given by married couples, with or without children, who have been specially trained to fulfill this task. Through training courses, the monitors are instructed to accompany the engaged couple in their discernment and preparation for the sacrament.

    Of course, it is also possible that a priest or parish priest may participate in some meetings, usually the first or the last.

    3. How many are there and where do they take place?

    Usually there are six meetings of 60 to 120 minutes, which are held once a week in the parish, church or chapel. Generally the premarital talks are given between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., so that the bride and groom can arrive on time after leaving work.

    However, there are also churches that give the option of condensing the talks into one or two intensive weekends.

    It will depend on each case if the courses are personal or group, but if they are group courses, they usually do not include more than three couples, so as not to lose the intimacy.

    4. How to register for the courses?

    As soon as they have chosen the parish or chapel where they will be married, according to the jurisdiction that corresponds to their domicile, they should go to the parish secretary's office.

    There you will be able to make an appointment for the wedding (information and celebration) and at the same time register to take the pre-marriage talks, ideally at least six months in advance.

    Delarge Photography

    5. What is the value of catechesis?

    Premarital talks are free However, in order to get married, they will ask for a financial contribution, which in some cases is voluntary and in others responds to an established fee.

    In any case, the monitors do not receive any money, since their work is done for vocation and free of charge.

    6. Can the talks be held at a location other than where you will be married?

    It is possible to have the talks in a different chapel, for example, if you live in Santiago, but are getting married in another region.

    But in any case, they will have to go to the church where they will be married and ask for an interview with the parish priest to justify their reasons. It will be he who will give them an authorization to carry out their catechesis in another place.

    In the parish where they will take the talks, they will also have to meet with the parish priest beforehand and ask for notice of transfer. In this case, they may be asked to make a donation as an offering.

    D&M Photography

    7. Will they receive a document upon completion?

    Yes, once they complete their Catholic premarital talks, they will be given a certificate, which is necessary to complete their marriage file. In addition, in some cases, the catechesis culminates with a group spiritual retreat.

    Along with the document certifying your Baptism and the witnesses required for the information and celebration of the marriage, prenuptial talks are a requirement that cannot be skipped. But far from being boring, you will love having a space to reflect on married life in your relationship with God.

    Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.