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note: 2021 marriage prep registration is closed for the year
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Registration for 2021 Marriage Prep Courses has closed. We will open registration for 2022 courses in December.
In the meantime, please read more below about which course is right for you and your fiancé.
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which course is right for me?First-time marriage or remarriage/convalidation?
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first-time marriage prep:
- Bride and groom have both never been married before (and neither of you have children from previous relationships).
This course is offered in English (hybrid online/in-person) and Spanish (fully in-person). Check dates below for courses in your preferred language.
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first-time marriage prep dates
February 26-27, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
February 26-27, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
May 21-22, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
August 13-14, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
August 27-28, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
September 17-18, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
October 1-2, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
December 10-11 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
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remarriage/convalidation prep:
- Bride or groom HAS been married civilly and are now having your marriage blessed in the Church;
- One or both of you have children from previous relationships; and/or
- One or both of you have been widowed or had a previous marriage annuled.
This course is offered in English (hybrid online/in-person) and Spanish (fully in-person). Check dates below for courses in your preferred language -
remarriage/convalidation prep dates
March 26-27, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
March 26-27, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
*April 23-24, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
June 26-27, 2022 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
October 22-23, 2022 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
November 5-6 (English, hybrid online/in-person)
November 19-20 (Pláticas/Español, in-person)
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importance of prep for your marriage
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The Office of Marriage & Family Life prays for God's blessings in your marriage, as you plan for your future together. We hope to serve you effectively to make that future fulfilling before the wedding day and AFTER!
Please give priority to this important preparation by completing our program at the latest six months prior to your wedding date. That way it does not become a last-minute exercise or a requirement you are unable to complete.
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There are various options for marriage preparation in the Diocese of Oakland to meet the suggested minimum 20-hour requirement of marriage preparation. Your parish may have its own program, while the Diocese offers weekend sessions in English and Spanish. We also have Evenings for the Engaged for those whose work schedules require an accomodation. Although each program has a different format, all preparation includes the following content addressing those facets essential to a Christian marriage:
- Developing communication skills
- The permanence and exclusivity of your marriage commitment
- Dealing with expectations
- Family of origin
- Becoming a family in the modern world
- Sex in marriage - the Divine gift
- God's Plan for marriage
- Understanding the Sacrament of Matrimony
- Enrichment opportunities
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 parish and the 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 is 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 priest/deacon (and possibly with a mentor-couple), 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.
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marriage prep course in-depth descriptions
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This is a 2-day hybrid program (since August 2021) for first-time marriages. It takes place on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 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.”
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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. Those couples missed out then on marriage preparation and the graces from the Sacrament of Matrimony.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 remarriage 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 with a view to living with a different person who may or may not have children. You are guided to have deep conversations from a new perspective.on familiar marital topics:- Values
- Communication
- Finances
- Faith and Marriage
- Sex and Intimacy (with a different partner)
- Previous Marital History/ Blending Families
- Sacramental 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.
If you need more information about the kinds of marriage prep covered in this combined course, please call 510-267-8392.
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This program consists of six sessions. Each session meets on the same evening for six consecutive weeks. The couple/couples leading the evening series will determine which day of the week the evening sessions are held, based on availability of all participants and whether it will be virtual, live, or hybrid.
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 attend the sessions. It is extremely important that each couple attends all six sessions.
The sessions typically begin between 7 PM and end at approximately 10 PM. The necessary materials are supplied,, and the following topics are covered:
- Family of Origin
- Marriage Today
- Communication in Love
- Finances
- God and Marriage
- Sexuality in Marriage
- Conflict Resolution
- Sacrament of Marriage
Schedule and Fees - $300 per couple
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¿Hablas Español?
Si usted prefiere que el programa se presente enteramente en español, favor de llamar a Ana al 510-267-8371 para inscribirse para ese fin de semana.
2022 Pláticas (en Español)
February 26-27 First-time Marriage
August 27-28 First-time Marriage
September 17-18 First-time Marriage
March 26-27 Convalidation/Remarriage
*April 23-24 Convalidation/Remarriage
October 22-23 Convalidation/Remarriage
November 19-20 Convalidation/Remarriage
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questions? connect with us:
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Mimi Streettmstreettoakdiocese.orgCoordinator, Office of Marriage & Family Life
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Jean Evansjevansoakdiocese.orgOffice Manager, Faith Formation & Evangelization
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Introducción a Preparación Matrimonial
Querida pareja comprometida,
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:
- Desarrollo de habilidades de comunicación
- Permanencia del compromiso matrimonial
- Como convertirse en una familia en el mundo moderno
- El sexo en el matrimonio - un don divino
- La presencia de Dios en su matrimonio
- Oportunidades de enriquecimiento
Toda pareja comprometida tiene preocupaciones sobre su futuro. También tiene metas, promesas y sueños que desea alcanzar. Los sacerdotes, diáconos y otros representantes de su Iglesia quieren ayudarle a prepararse para conseguir sus metas, cumplir sus promesas y vivir sus sueños con la ayuda de herramientas que les permitan, como pareja, responder de la mejor manera a las presiones que aquejan la vida matrimonial actual.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
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Lugares y Fechas de 2021
Platicas Firsttime Marriage
Platicas Convalidation/Remarriage
Favor de referir a las parejas a Ana a 510-267-8371.
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