Church of the Catholic Parish of Jersey

Catholic Community of Jersey

Marriage Preparation

If you are preparing to get married, firstly …… many congratulations!

The decision to spend the rest of our life with one person is hugely significant and one which is not taken lightly.  The Church celebrates this and very much supports it, since marriage is one of the two sacraments of mission, the other being the Sacrament of Orders (Ordination) for Deacons, Priests and Bishops.  However, the reality is that it is in married life that most people in the Church choose to live their Christian lives through the expression of their love for one another, for their children and for the wider community.

Whilst the same core elements can be found in all forms of marriage preparation throughout the Diocese, there are a number of different ways in which it is provided.

In Jersey, marriage preparation is delivered by married couples, and normally consists of sessions shared over three evenings.  The formation includes consideration of such aspects of relationships  as communication and conflict, family influence, sex and sexuality, natural family planning and also what marriage means in the Church.  As part of the programme, couples also meet with a priest.

For further detailed information about marriage preparation in each of the three areas in the island, please email d.cahill@catholicchurch.org.je where you can request further information and documentation.