MARRIAGE PREPARATION
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To receive the Sacrament of Marriage in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, every engaged couple is required, by Canon Law, to participate in an approved marriage preparation program. The following programs are offered through parish classes, online, and weekend retreats.
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Parish-Sponsored Classes
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Parish programs offer a variety of settings and arrangements from larger groups to webinars to mentor-couples.
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Year-round classes
Divine Redeemer Parish:
200 Walnut St.
Sewickley, PA 15143- Mentoring with sponsor couple is available year round. For more information, contact Anna and Alan Torrance: [email protected].
- Cost is $50.
Guardian Angels Parish:1526 Union Ave.
Natrona Heights., PA 15065- In-person mentoring with sponsor couple available year round. For more information, call Deacon Patrick Wood at 724-226-4900, ext. 5.
- Cost is $45.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
800 Avila Court
Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (Ross Twp)- Virtual mentoring with sponsor couple available year round for members of OLMC parish only. For more information, contact Lou and Mary Locante:
[email protected] - Cost is $40.
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish:
St. Therese of Lisieux Church Site
1 Saint Therese Ct.
Munhall, PA 15120- Meetings are held the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Attend one session per month for five months in the rectory meeting room.
- Cost is $25.
- To register, conteact Terry & Michele Shields at [email protected] or 412-462-9976.
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Read MoreJune 27 - June 28, 7:00 PM
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Read MoreSeptember 19 - September 20
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Read MoreSaturday, September 20, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Saturday, September 27, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMRead More
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Friday, October 10Saint James Parish will host two day Pre-Cana sessions on October 10-11, 2025.Read More
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Read MoreSaturday, November 1
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Read MoreNovember 6 - November 20, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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Read MoreSaturday, November 15, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Read MoreMarch 5 - March 19, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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Regional Approved Pre-Cana Opportunities
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Renew the 'I do': Rooted in Love
Upcoming marriage prep opportunities with Renew the 'I do':
Saturday, February 7, 2026 :
Renew the ‘I do’ Foundation is honored to welcome beloved speaker and spiritual guide Fr. Scott Seethaler, OFM Cap, for a one-day marriage preparation retreat for engaged couples from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Capuchin Friary in Lawrenceville. With over 50 years as a priest, Fr. Scott has joyfully accompanied thousands of engaged couples, combining his signature humor, heartfelt wisdom, and a deep understanding of the sacrament of marriage.
“My life’s passion has been to help couples grow closer to their faith and to each other through their marriage vows.” – Fr. Scott Seethaler
The day includes:- Five powerful talks led by Fr. Scott and married couples of Renew the ‘I do’ Foundation
- A group panel on communication in marriage
- Mass and a special blessing of engagement rings
- Continental breakfast, lunch, and a closing wine & cheese social
- Complimentary follow-up 1 hr Modern Fertility Care class - Feb. 10, 7:30
- Free future Renew the ‘I do’ Date Night
- Gift copy of The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage
Cost: $125.00 per couple
Spaces are limited—register today at www.renewtheido.org
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Cor Ministries: Joy Filled Marriage weekendsCôr Marriage Prep, "Joy-Filled Marriage" uses the Ascension Press program rooted in Theology of the Body, utilizing all of their great content and research while featuring additional talks that address significant issues that affect marriages today.
Our local and passionate speakers will provide you with the best tools and skills, so that your marriage will truly be a joyful experience! Through a balance of psychology, theology and personal stories from our dynamic speaker team, we highlight the importance of fully understanding the Sacrament of Marriage and preparing for the all years that follow your wedding day.
Throughout the program you’ll be guided to understand what “I do” truly means, the impact family of origin has on the new family you are creating, the importance of praying together and work on key marriage skills that you will be able to unpack throughout your marriage.
Two upcoming marriage preparation weekends will take place at Epiphany Church Hall, Divine Mercy Parish:Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2025
To register, visit: https://www.corministriespgh.org/joy-filledmarriage
Côr offers a private prep that uses the same program and presentations from our weekend and is scheduled on an individual basis. Registration for private prep here: https://www.corministriespgh.org/events/cor-marriage-private-prep
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Engaged Encounter Marriage Prep Weekend
Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat that helps couples to dialogue honestly and intensively about their future: their strengths; weaknesses; desires; ambitions; goals; and attitudes about money, sex, children, family, church and society. Engaged Encounter invites couples to deeper communication, which is vital for the growth of a healthy relationship and marriage.
For local reservations email [email protected] or call 412-861-0262. To volunteer for Engaged Encounter, contact Rick and Carol Behring at 724-316-2820 or [email protected].
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Online marriage prep hosted by Catholic Marriage Prep
Given limits to group gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, couples may need an online program. In order to register for an online program, couples need the approval of their celebrant (priest).
Click here to learn more and to register.
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Contact for Pre-Marriage Information
To have your parish's premarriage class placed on the diocesan calendar or to inquire about pre-marriage in general, please contact:
Holly K. Mohr
Director for Parish Faith and Family Formation
412-456-3015
[email protected]Deacon Tom Lopus
Deacon in Support of Marriage Ministries
[email protected]
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