Contact

Mrs. Alice Jacobs | Parish Life Coordinator - ajacobs@toledodiocese.org

Sr. Rose Marie Timmer (Canonical Matters/Pre-Marriage Forms) | Chancellor - rmtimmer@toledodiocese.org

Marriage Forms

Preliminary Investigation

Dispensation Request

Freedom to Marry Affidavit

Radical Sanation

Affidavit (Concerning the Valid Conferral of Baptism)

Oath (Attesting to Baptism Received)

Guidelines

In the Spirit of Cana (2014)

Particular Law on Marriage (2010)

Wedding Music Guidelines

BEST PRACTICES for couples to live out their vocation in the sacrament of marriage.

1. Have a Strong Foundation in Catholic Teaching

Catechesis: Ensure that the marriage is rooted in Catholic teachings on marriage and the family, as outlined in documents like Humanae Vitae and Familiaris Consortio.
Sacramental Life: Encourage regular participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, as the foundation for a strong marriage.

2. Focus on Prayer and Spiritual Growth

Prayer Life: Promote prayer within the couple and the family. Include regular prayer in ministry meetings and activities.
Retreats: Organize retreats that offer couples time away to focus on their relationship with God and each other.

3. Offer Comprehensive Marriage Preparation

Pre-Cana Programs: Provide thorough pre-marriage preparation that covers communication, conflict resolution, financial management, Natural Family Planning and intimacy, all within the context of Catholic teaching.
Mentorship: Pair engaged couples with married couples who can mentor them through the preparation process.

4. Support for Newly Married Couples

Follow-up: Keep in touch with couples after their wedding. Offer support groups or small communities where newlyweds can share their experiences and challenges.
Workshops: Provide workshops on topics such as communication, balancing work and family life, and growing in faith as a couple.

5. Foster Community

Small Groups: Create small group opportunities where couples can meet regularly for prayer, discussion, and support.
Parish Involvement: Encourage couples to become active in parish life, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

6. Ongoing Education and Formation

Continual Learning: Offer ongoing opportunities for couples to deepen their understanding of Catholic teaching on marriage, such as through Bible studies, lectures, or book clubs.
Guest Speakers: Invite knowledgeable speakers to address topics relevant to married life and family.

7. Promote Service

Family Apostolates: Encourage families to serve together in parish ministries or community service projects, reinforcing the idea that marriage is a vocation of service.
Outreach: Provide resources and support to couples in crisis, including referrals to Catholic counselors or marriage enrichment programs.

8. Celebrate Marriage

Anniversary Masses: Celebrate milestones with special blessings or anniversary Masses, recognizing the importance of enduring commitment.
Marriage Enrichment Events: Host events like date nights, dinners, or dances that celebrate the joy of marriage.

9. Collaboration with Clergy

Regular Meetings: Ensure the ministry works closely with parish clergy to align with the broader mission of the Church.
Clerical Support: Have priests and deacons involved in key events, providing spiritual guidance and sacramental support.

10. Evaluation and Adaptation

Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from participating couples to understand their needs and improve the ministry.
Stay Relevant: Keep the ministry’s content and activities relevant to contemporary issues while staying true to Catholic doctrine.

By adhering to these best practices, a Catholic marriage enrichment ministry can effectively support couples in building strong, faith-filled marriages that reflect the love of Christ.