Marriage preparation in the Lincoln Diocese includes several steps to help you grow in faith and readiness for the sacrament of marriage:

• Initial Meeting with the Priest: Review parish policies, complete necessary paperwork, and discuss the Witness to Love program.
• Engaged Encounter Weekend: Attend a retreat 3–6 months before your wedding. Registration and dates are available at Engaged Encounter.
• FOCCUS Inventory: Complete this online assessment to help you understand each other better. Results are reviewed with the Marriage Preparation Coordinator.
• Choose a Mentor Couple: You will prayerfully consider a couple you know who can serve as a faith witness and guide. Mentor couples must be married for at least five years, active in the parish, and approved by the priest. Bring your proposed mentor couple to your initial meeting with the priest for approval.
• Meetings with Your Mentor Couple: Once approved, you will meet with your mentor couple six times to discuss communication, family life, living your vows, and the sacrament of marriage. A priest will join for one of the meetings.
• Fertility Awareness Intro Session: Attend an introductory session on natural family planning, with optional follow-ups if desired. Register for Intro Session
• Wedding Planning Meetings: Meet with the Wedding Coordinator and Director of Music Ministry to finalize wedding logistics and music selections.
• Final Meeting with the Priest: Conclude marriage preparation and plan the wedding liturgy.

Required Documents

• Baptismal Certificates: No older than six months.
• Affidavits of Freedom to Marry: Completed in the presence of a Catholic priest by two witnesses for the bride and two witnesses for the groom.
• Marriage License: Presented to the priest before or at the rehearsal.

For more details on the marriage preparation process, please refer to the Wedding Policy document or contact our Marriage Preparation Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..