Every engaged couple has concerns for the future. You also have goals, promises, and dreams you wish to attain. The priests, deacons, and other individuals in your Church want to help you prepare well to meet those goals, keep those promises, and live out your dreams well-equipped to face the pressures placed on married couples today.
There's a lot of effort that goes into planning the wedding day. We believe though that your effort in preparing for THE MARRIAGE — in your parish, with your deacon/priest, and with our program — is essential to ensuring your marriage lasts 'till death do you part.' That and the help you receive from the Church and the grace of the Sacrament.
Please give priority to this important preparation by completing our program at the latest three months prior to your wedding date. That way it does not become a last-minute exercise or a requirement you are unable to complete.
The Office of Marriage and Family Life prays for God's blessings in your marriage, as you plan for your future together and hope that we can serve you effectively to make that future fulfilling before the wedding day and AFTER!
Prep for First-Time Marriages
March 20-21
May 22-23
August 28-29
October 2-3
December 4-5
Prep for Convalidation/Remarriage
February 20-21
June 26-27
November 6-7
Platicas (en Español)
April 10-11 (First-time Marriage)
June 12-13 (Convalidation)
September 11-12 (First-time marriage)
November 13-14 (Convalidation)
All 2021 Marriage Prep Courses will be offered online only at this time.
First-Time Marriage Course
March 20-21 Prep for First-Time Marriages
April 10-11 Platicas (en Español)
May 22-23 Prep for First-Time Marriages
August 28-29 Prep for First-Time Marriages
September 11-12 Platicas (en Español)
October 2-3 Prep for First-Time Marriages
December 4-5 Prep for First-Time Marriages
Convalidation/Remarriage Course
February 20-21 Prep for Convalidation/Remarriage Couples
June 12-13 Platicas for Convalidation etc. (en Español)
June 26-27 Prep for Convalidation/Remarriage Couples
November 6-7 Prep for Convalidation/Remarriage Couples
November 13-14 Platicas for Convalidation etc. (en Español)
This is a two-day virtual program for first-time marriages. It takes place on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. You will spend the sessions in deep couple conversation, reflection, and prayer. Continental breakfast provided both mornings. This weekend session was previously known as "commuter" or "resident" weekends.
Testimonial:
“I have an enhanced awareness of why a sacramental marriage is so critical to me and my future spouse, as Catholics.”
Convalidation
This program is designed for those couples who are married civilly and now wish to marry in the Church. Some couples, because of differences in religious background or, a sense of distance from the Church at the time of their marriage, or due to complicating family situations, were married civilly or in some other manner that did not meet the Catholic Church's legal requirements for a valid church marriage.
This is also the weekend for couples, where one or both of the individuals have a child (children) together or from a previous relationship.
Remarriage
The Remarriage Preparation program is for those considering re-marriage after death/divorce of a spouse or for those entering marriage for the first time with someone who has been married before. The following topics are discussed:
This is also the weekend for couples, where one or both of the individuals have a child (children) together or from a previous relationship.
If you need more information about the kinds of marriage prep covered in this combined course, please call 510-267-8392.
This program consists of six virtual sessions. Each session meets on the same evening for six consecutive weeks. The couple leading the evening series will determine which day of the week the evening sessions are held, based on their availability.
The sessions are facilitated by a specially-trained married couple and are usually held in the married couple's home. Two to six engaged couples will attend the virtual sessions with you. It is extremely important that each couple attends all six sessions.
The sessions typically begin at 7:30 PM and end at approximately 9:45 PM. The necessary materials are supplied, and the following topics are covered:
Schedule and Fees - $300 per couple
¿Hablas Español?
Si usted prefiere que el programa se presente enteramente en español, favor de llamar a Jean Evans al 510-267-8357 para inscribirse para ese fin de semana.
2021 Platicas (en Español)
April 10-11 (First-time Marriage)
June 12-13 (Convalidation)
September 11-12 (First-time marriage)
November 13-14 (Convalidation)
Esta información explica la variedad de opciones disponibles para la preparación matrimonial ofrecida por la Diócesis de Oakland. Aunque cada programa tiene un formato diferente, toda la preparación incluye un contenido similar que incorpora facetas esenciales para un matrimonio cristiano:
Reconozco el esfuerzo que implica planear una boda. Sin embargo, creo sinceramente que su participación en nuestro programa de preparación matrimonial será un recurso duradero que le ayudará a mantener su relación mucho más allá del día de la boda.
Le invito a que le de prioridad a esta importante preparación, completando el programa prematrimonial por lo menos tres meses antes de la fecha de su boda, para que esta experiencia no se convierta en un ejercicio de última hora.
Por favor póngase en contacto con la Oficina de Vida Familiar tan pronto como sea posible, ya que se atiende primero a la parejas que se registran con suficiente anticipación. Oramos por las bendiciones de Dios en su matrimonio, mientras planean su futuro juntos y esperamos poder servirles efectivamente para que su futuro sea enriquecedor.
Sinceramente,
Mimi Streett
Coordinadora de Matrimonios y Vida Familiar
Departamento de Evangelización y Catequesis
510-267-8371
Platicas
10 y 11 de Abril
11 y 12 Septiembre
Platicas Convalidation
12 y 13 de Junio
13 y 14 de Noviembre
Favor de referir a las parejas a Mimi Street a 510-267-8371.