Getting Married in the Diocese of Worcester?

Contact your parish priest at least ONE YEAR prior to the anticipated wedding date to make arrangements for your preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage.  The priest or deacon officiating at your wedding will assist you in fulfilling the necessary canonical and formational requirements and guide you through this enriching and special time of preparation for a life-long Christ-centered marriage.

Download our engaged couples’ brochure, “Getting Married in the Diocese of Worcester” for an overview of the various components and requirements of the marriage preparation process.  The brochure includes a handy checklist to keep track of the meetings you schedule with your priest or deacon and programs you will attend throughout the year.  

After your initial meeting with your priest or deacon, REGISTER for BOTH of the following marriage formation programs in the order listed:
 

I.  God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage Seminar  

This is a one-day program for engaged couples that uniquely presents the “why’s behind the what’s” of Catholic teaching, helping couples understand God’s plan for marriage and the joy of living it.

Couples should attend the God’s Plan seminar within the first three months of your year of preparation as it forms a foundation that greatly enriches the other parts of the marriage preparation process. 

All classes will be held online during 2023.  Your registration form must be received by our office NO LATER THAN two weeks prior to the class to allow time for postal mailing of course materials.  Please email [email protected] with questions. 
 

Dates for 2023 (all Saturdays) are: 
FEBRUARY 11, 2023 (register by May 20)
APRIL 1, 2023  (register by March 20)
MAY 27, 2023 (register by May 12)
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 (register by September 2)
NOVEMBER 11, 2023 (register by October 28)

HOW TO REGISTER:  

• Download the BROCHURE that describes the program.

• Download the 2023 REGISTRATION FORM. Please print, complete legibly and mail with payment to the address indicated on the form.  Make sure you indicate your first and second choice of dates. Your registration will be confirmed by email after it has been processed.  Additional information for course login will also be sent by email as the class date approaches. 

• Re-scheduling Guidelines:  It is important you keep the date selected once registration is confirmed. Refunds are not provided for cancellations.  If something unsual and unavoidable occurs and you need to reschedule, we can transfer your registration to another date at no additional cost provided we have advance notice.  

Questions?
              Contact the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family:                 
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (508) 929-4311

II.  Engaged Encounter Weekend          

This special retreat weekend is designed to give couples planning marriage an opportunity to dialogue honestly about their prospective lives together.  Through a series of talks couples discuss many aspects of their daily lives and their role as a couple living the vocation of Christian marriage in the Church and in society.

Upcoming Worcester area EE Weekends:
February 4, 2023
April 15, 2023
August 12, 2023

Click the link below for additional details and to register
(prices and locations vary and some sessions are held virtually)

HOW TO REGISTER:

• Go to https://worcester.engagedencounter.com/reservations/ to find details for upcoming DATES, LOCATIONS, PRICING, and FAQs. REGISTRATION IS NOW DONE EXCLUSIVELY ON-LINE HERE.

• Looking for additional dates for New England area Engaged Encounter weekends? Weekends are also available in the Hartford, and southern NY areas. Visit the national Engaged Encounter website at: www.engagedencounter.org for more details.

•  Be sure to register early for best selection of dates!