January 2026 - The Marriage Group

How to do Pre-Cana in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Read Time: 4 minutes

How to do Pre-Cana in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s time to prepare for marriage in the Catholic Church. Preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony can be done in several ways in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

What do we do first?

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires a six-step process. The first step is to let your parish priest know that you are engaged to be married. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recommends doing this at least six months in advance of your intended wedding date. If you are not a registered member of a Catholic parish within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, now is the time to register.

What do we do after we meet with the priest?

The next step is to take a Pre-Cana course. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires this course to be completed six months prior to the wedding. Pre-Cana is the name for Catholic marriage preparation, referring to the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed a miracle, turning water into wine.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia allows self-paced online programs, such as the one offered by The Marriage Group, and others, or any in-person program offered through a Catholic parish, retreat center, or university within, or outside of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as long as the programs fully and thoroughly cover all the core theological, spiritual, practical, and intimate aspects of marriage, in conformity to Catholic doctrine.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Life and Family can be reached at 215-587-0500 for any questions about valid Pre-Cana options.

In-person Pre-Cana Options

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers several in-person all-day marriage preparation classes at various locations throughout the area. They can be found here.

Any other in-person Pre-Cana classes offered outside of the Archdiocese should be cleared with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Life and Family.

Fully Online Pre-Cana

Another option is an online course, such as the one offered by The Marriage Group. It consists of videos, workbooks, and guides to get your marriage off to a beautiful start. The course costs $225 and has a flexible schedule. The complete course takes about eight hours to complete, but it can be completed at your own pace. The course is also customized, so it meets the unique needs of couples and their specific life circumstances.

The Marriage Group also has a fully online self-paced program in Spanish.

What else do we need to do?

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires that a Marriage Preparation Inventory be completed three to six months before the wedding. This Inventory will assess the couple’s habits, expectations, and values and shed light on any areas where more work is needed to start the marriage off right.

The next step is to take a Natural Family Planning class. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the method of delaying or achieving pregnancy using the body’s natural signs of fertility. NFP classes are offered through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There are also online courses such as The Marriage Group’s Natural Family Planning Course, which can be found here.

Engaged couples are asked to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as needed prior to the wedding.

The final step is to meet with the parish priest or deacon who will be witnessing your marriage to make sure everything is in order.

What are the requirements for a Catholic wedding?

The Catholic Church has several requirements for sacramental marriage.

One of the spouses must be a baptized Catholic.
The wedding must be celebrated in a Catholic Church and in the presence of a Catholic priest, deacon, or bishop and two other witnesses.
The spouses must be free to be married with no prior valid marriages.
Both spouses must be psychologically mature and capable of consenting to marriage.
Both spouses must understand that Catholic marriage is exclusive, permanent, and open to having children.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has a great resource with answers to frequently asked questions.

What documents will we need?

The couple will need to provide a certificate of baptism and proof of annulment if there were any prior marriages.

A marriage license will need to be obtained prior to the wedding. It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain the license and bring it to the wedding. Go to City of Philadelphia for marriage license details.
Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills and provide the required documents, including identification. You can use your marriage license in any county in Pennsylvania. You cannot use it in another state or country. There is a three-day waiting period for marriages in Pennsylvania.

The goal of Catholic marriage preparation is to make sure you are ready for marriage, understand the seriousness and sacredness of the sacrament, grow your faith, offer advice and guidance, and provide education and support within the context of the Catholic Church.

Best wishes as you begin the journey toward sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church.

Resources:

Author: Jennie McClelland

The Marriage Group’s online Pre-Cana course, Living Our Faith In Love, is 5-star rated by couples and used in parishes in every U.S. diocese and over 90 countries. Join thousands of other couples who are building a strong marriage with our faithful, flexible, and fun course today!

January 29, 2026/by Jennie McClelland

7 Things I Learned…

Couples Catholic Marriage, Married

Read Time: 4 minutes

When I got married at the ripe young age of 23, I never actually thought I would reach this milestone: 14 years of being married. Not because I didn’t believe in the permanence of the sacrament of matrimony nor because I wasn’t in it for the long haul. But when you are younger it is difficult to comprehend time in terms of decades.

Time I have found flies faster than Saint Padre Pio can bilocate (I’m really not joking as time really does fly). While I’m not yet at the Yoda-level of wisdom I have acquired some valuable insights over the nearly decade-and-a-half years of being married. Here’s 7 things I learned from being married for 14 years.

Marriage Takes More than Two to Tango

The sacrament of marriage is the union of a man and woman, but it’s held together by God. I wouldn’t have survived these years if it wasn’t for the Holy Trinity sending me and my wife daily graces. A lasting marriage requires God at the center.

Every day is a New Opportunity to Pledge Your Love

This subheader is a bit corny but it’s true: marriage is full of ups and downs. But each day is another chance to show your love to your spouse. I’m grateful for the many times to try again and be a better husband than yesterday.

Marriage is Salty

In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, Verse 13, we read that Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” You and your spouse are meant to be a witness to the Gospel. Like salt, married persons are to be a preservative in a culture that prefers passing fads over long-term relationships. A little bit of salt can go a long way and I have learned that my “little” marriage of 14 years can go a long way in sharing the Good News to the world.

Humor and Holiness

I was initially attracted to my wife’s humor and enthusiastic personality. Her zest for life was (and still is) contagious. During tough times, humor has been healing to get my wife and me back on track with our spiritual life, both individually and as a couple.

Find someone you can laugh with during the good times and especially the bad times and you will be incredibly grateful. My wife and I have developed a plethora of inside jokes, zingers, and anecdotes we refer to again and again.

Share Patron Saints

Your network is your net worth. Business cliche but still accurate when you think about the spiritual life. One of my favorite teachings of the Catholic Church is the Communion of Saints. We are not meant to journey toward God alone, and you are not limited to earthly helpers like your spouse. The saints in heaven and the Church on earth are ready to provide support and comfort throughout your marriage.

My wife and I have developed a great friendship with the saints. Our nightly prayers conclude with asking Saints Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Gerard of Majella, and Jude to intercede for us. I have also formed a special devotion to my wife’s confirmation saint (Maria Faustina).

God is With You Always

Over the past 14 years, I have learned that the phrase “God is with you always” is not a pious saying. It’s a reality! God is with you in the sacrament of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. But just as real, and on a more daily basis is the tangible presence of God in my marriage. The Holy Trinity indwells in both my wife and I by virtue of our Baptism and by the graces we receive in the sacrament of Matrimony.

Certainly, there are days I don’t feel like God is with me but He is always present.

Know Your Spouse’s Love Language

In 1992, Gary Chapman wrote The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.* He detailed out five primary ways to show your love and how your spouse receives love. These include:

Words of affirmation (compliments, praise, appreciation)
Quality time (spending time together and giving each other undivided attention)
Physical touch (demonstrating physical affection, such as giving your partner a hug or kiss)
Acts of service (doing something that helps a partner, such as running an errand)
Receiving gifts (giving your partner a present that communicates thoughtfulness, effort, or expense)

Admittedly, this is something I am constantly needing to improve upon. My wife’s love language is acts of service, words of affirmation, and quality time. Knowing how your spouse best communicates love is a great way to grow in your marriage.

Bonus Lessons Learned

I could continue on with a laundry list of things I learned from being married 14 years. But this article would be as long as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and you do need to get back to being an epic spouse. Before we end this post here’s a few bonus things I learned:

Be flexible- family life involves lots of moving parts (and persons)
Saying sorry and asking for forgiveness isn’t as painful as you think it is
Don’t worry about winning the battle at the cost of losing the marriage
Things are usually less serious than you make them to be- laugh more often

In conclusion, reflecting on 14 years of marriage has shown me that the journey of matrimony is both a challenge and a blessing. It’s a testament to the enduring power of commitment, strengthened not only by the love between husband and wife but also by the grace of God. Each day presents an opportunity to reaffirm love, grow in understanding, and deepen spiritual connections.

Through laughter, shared faith, and mutual support, my wife and I have navigated ups and downs, embracing the wisdom that comes from humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to adapt. As we look forward, I am reminded that marriage, rooted in faith and nurtured by love, continues to be a journey worth cherishing—one that enriches not only our lives but also the world around us.

Author: Matt Chicoine

Marriage Every Day™ is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages. Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities will help you build a marriage you love alongside thousands of couples just like you!

Learn more HERE.

* The Marriage Group is an Amazon Affiliate and will earn from qualifying purchases.

January 22, 2026/by Matthew Chicoine

Finding Light in Marriage’s Dark Moments: A Lesson From Mary

Couples Catholic Marriage, Married

Read Time: 3 minutes

It was 7:55 p.m. on a Sunday night when God chose to teach me a lesson about marriage through an unexpected source – the moon and Our Blessed Mother. My wife and I had just weathered one of those days that tested a marriage’s strength: a sick child, missed meals, and the constant juggling of family responsibilities. I found myself in a drive-thru line, finally getting dinner for my exhausted wife and myself.

As I waited for the car ahead to move, I glimpsed the full moon hanging in the night sky – bright and majestic. In that moment, God reminded me of something profound about both Our Lady and marriage itself.

The Hidden Grace in Difficult Moments

Just as the moon illuminates the darkness, Mary guides us through marriage’s challenging seasons. My wife and I were in the middle of a 33-day Marian consecration, set to conclude on the Feast of the Presentation. Through this spiritual journey together, we’ve discovered how Mary’s presence in our marriage mirrors her role at the foot of the cross – standing faithful in both light and shadow.

St. Mother Teresa spoke about the darkness beneath the cross, where Mary stood with John. Rather than flee this shadow, she remained present, teaching us a profound lesson about marriage: it’s often in our darkest moments – the arguments, the misunderstandings, the exhausted evenings – where we find the deepest opportunities for grace.

Mary as Our Marriage Guide

When we struggle to see God’s presence in our marriage, Mary shows us the way. Like a marathon runner’s companion, she runs alongside married couples:

During communication breakdowns, she who pondered everything in her heart teaches us to listen deeply
In moments of sacrifice, she who stood at the cross shows us how to love through pain
When feeling distant from God or spouse, she who experienced the flight to Egypt reminds us to trust the journey

The Star of Our Domestic Church

The ancient mariners called Mary the Star of the Sea, and she serves a similar role in marriage. Just as I found myself looking up at the moon while getting late-night dinner for my wife, Mary illuminates the small acts of love that build a holy marriage. She guides us through the night until we reach dawn – those moments when we glimpse Christ in our spouse again.

A Practical Path Forward

For couples seeking to invite Mary’s guidance into their marriage, consider:

Praying together daily, even briefly, asking Mary’s intercession
Finding moments to serve each other, remembering Mary’s fiat
Looking for Christ in your spouse, especially during challenging times
Supporting each other through spiritual darkness, standing together as Mary and John did

From Darkness to Light

Marriage, like faith, moves through seasons of light and shadow. The beauty of having Mary as our guide is that she understands both. She shows us how to remain faithful in darkness while always pointing us toward the Light of Christ.

Even as dawn breaks in our marriages – those moments of joy, reconciliation, and renewed love – Mary remains present, like the moon visible in morning light. She teaches us that true marital love always directs us toward her Son, where our deepest unity is found.

In those everyday moments of marriage – whether we’re caring for sick children, making late-night food runs, or simply trying to understand each other better – Mary stands ready to guide us. She reminds us that every act of sacrificial love in marriage, no matter how small, reflects the light of Christ to the world.

Author: Matt Chicoine

Marriage Every Day™ is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages. Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities will help you build a marriage you love alongside thousands of couples just like you!

Learn more HERE.

January 14, 2026/by Matthew Chicoine

What NFP Really Means to This Married Guy

Couples NFP

Read Time: 4 minutes

Natural Family Planning (NFP) combines together threads of faith, trust, and love. It’s a path that invites couples to be in harmony with God’s design for marriage and fertility. But let’s be real – it’s not always a waltz in the park. Sometimes it feels more like a clumsy tango with stepped-on toes and occasional missteps. Yet, through it all, NFP offers a profound opportunity for growth, both as individuals and as a couple.

Never Fail to Pray

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this NFP journey, it’s that prayer isn’t just important – it’s as essential as breathing. When you’re entrusting your marriage and family planning to God, you’d better believe you need a direct line to the Big Guy upstairs!

Saint Paul knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). These words aren’t just beautiful scripture; they’re a lifeline for couples navigating the sometimes choppy waters of NFP.

And let’s not forget the wise words of Saint Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry”. Easier said than done, Padre! But you know what? He’s onto something. When you’re trying to decipher fertility signs or wrestling with the decision to postpone or achieve pregnancy, prayer can be your anchor.

All Things Work for the Good

Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it – the NFP journey can involve some heart-wrenching moments. My wife and I have walked through the valley of miscarriage, and let me tell you, it’s a path no one wants to tread. After experiencing the heartbreak of losing our unborn children, the thought of trying again was, well, terrifying.

But here’s the thing – even in those darkest moments, our faith was a flickering flame that refused to go out. It reminded us that, somehow, all things work for the good of those who love God. It didn’t erase the pain, but it gave us hope to keep moving forward.

Trusting in the Lord: Always

Trusting in the Lord always – it sounds beautiful, doesn’t it? Like something you’d see on an inspirational poster with a sunset backdrop. But living it out? That’s where the rubber meets the road.

I’m eternally grateful for the solid foundation of faith my parents gave me. It’s what helped me welcome NFP as a beautiful and good thing for my marriage. Even during my lowest point, in the aftermath of our losses, it was my Catholic faith that kept me from completely losing my marbles.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops puts it beautifully: “NFP methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. … NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child” (USCCB, “What is NFP?”).

This isn’t just about following rules – it’s about embracing a whole way of life that honors God’s design for love and fertility.

Finding Freedom in NFP

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Freedom? In family planning? Are you kidding me?” But hear me out. There’s a profound freedom in aligning your choices with God’s will.

As the Tobin Institute points out, “NFP allows a couple to work with the body’s natural processes instead of working against them. … [It] fosters authentic marital love and a genuine openness to life” (Tobin Institute, “Finding Freedom Through Natural Family Planning”).

This freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want. It’s about being free to love fully, to give yourself completely to your spouse and to God’s plan for your family. It’s about being free from the artificial barriers that contraception puts between couples.

Is it always easy? Heck no! There are times when abstinence feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. There are moments of fear, doubt, and frustration. But there are also moments of incredible intimacy, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

In Conclusion

Natural Family Planning isn’t just a method – it’s a journey. A journey that will challenge you, stretch you, and ultimately, draw you closer to each other and to God. It’s about trusting in God’s plan, even when that plan looks different from what you imagined.

So, to all you couples out there navigating the NFP waters – keep praying, keep hoping, and try not to worry too much (thanks, Padre Pio!). Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. God is with you every step of the way, and He’s got a plan bigger and more beautiful than you can imagine.

Author: Matt Chicoine

Marriage Every Day™ is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages. Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities will help you build a marriage you love alongside thousands of couples just like you!

Learn more HERE.

January 12, 2026/by Matthew Chicoine