Marriage Preparation is avaliable in person and online!
Marriage Preparation - English Options
The Gift of Self: Marriage Preparation seminar has been temporarily modified to be a hybrid event. Couples will complete the first portion of sessions from the comfort of your own homes, at their own pace. We will provide access to the online portion two weeks prior to the in person date.
The in person portion is a time for couples to step away from the day to day life so they can spend time reflecting, sharing, listening, praying, and growing in your relationship with God and with one another. This day includes an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Most Holy Eucharist.
Note:
- The online portion must be completed prior to the in person portion.
- At this time, seminars are still subject to cancelation. If needed, our office will reach out to couples two weeks prior to the in person date to assist with rescheduling. We will notify the parish of any changes.
Based on the details provided in each couple’s registration, we will direct each couple to the best online course for their specific circumstances. Please do not send them directly to the Beloved or SmartLoving websites.
This option allows access to the online program 24/7, with the ability to pause and restart. Each couple can choose to take a relaxed, a fast tracked, or a “somewhere in between” approach.
Our team will contact each couple to provide all necessary materials and access to the online course.
Note:
- The hybrid program does not use the same material as the online only courses. A couple can not do half of each program.
Marriage Preparation - Spanish Options
We have resumed the in person Don de si Mismo: Planificacion Familiar Natural seminars. All seminars are held on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-12:00pm at various locations throughout the diocese.
Please have couples register in advance. They may do so online at www.rockforddiocese.org/life/espanol or phone at 815.399.4300 x380
This option allows access to the online program 24/7, with the ability to pause and restart. Each couple can choose to take a relaxed, a fast tracked, or a “somewhere in between” approach.
Our team will contact each couple to provide all necessary materials and access to the online course. Please do not send them directly to the Beloved website.
This page is designed to assist parishes. Couples can register and find additional information under the “Marriage & Family” tab of the navigation menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a couple is fluent in both English and Spanish, we recommend directing them to a program in the language which they are MOST comfortable with.
Our office strives to keep costs low. The price of each program covers all necessary materials and program expenses.
We do not want finances to prevent anyone from preparing for this important sacrament. If a couple is experiencing financial difficulties, please email us for assistance at LIFE@rockforddiocese.org or call 815.399.4300
We recommend registering for diocesan marriage preparation 4-12 months prior to the wedding date.
Please keep in mind that couples must complete the online portion prior to attending the in person portion. Access to the online portion will be made available two weeks prior to the in person date.
- January 29, 2022 – St. Patrick in St. Charles
- February 26, 2022 – St. Rita in Rockford
- March 26, 2022 – Christ the Teacher in Dekalb
No. Although they cover similar topics, the online only programs (SmartLoving-Engaged Online and Beloved:Finding Happiness in Marriage) do not use the same material as the Gift of Self: Marriage Preparation hybrid seminar.