If you are planning to be married, please contact Mary Riehle
[email protected]
Or call 765-743-4652 at least six months in advance.
You must contact St. Tom’s at least six months in advance.
All couples must complete a premarital inventory (FOCCUS) which is a survey of attitudes on basic areas of married life, e.g. children, in-laws, religion, finances, etc. This inventory is not a “test” for compatibility, rather it is a tool to stimulate discussions about these various aspects of married life. A fee for processing FOCCUS and other paperwork is required.
In addition to meeting with a staff member or priest, all couples must complete the Diocesan-approved pre-marriage Mentor Couple program or a marriage preparation retreat. If they choose a mentor couple, the engaged couple meets with a married couple for a series of meetings, arranged at the mutual convenience of both couples. The marriage preparation program offers the engaged couple the benefit of the experience of couples who have been married for some time and encourages them to examine their own lives together in light of the experiences of married couples. Aspects touched upon include priorities, expectations, communication, conflict, sexuality, and finances. Most engaged couples find the programs valuable for opening discussions and deepening their awareness in areas that they have already begun to explore. A fee is required.