Office of Family Life

diocesan Marriage Preparation

Congratulations on your engagement! As you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage, the Church is honored to walk with you. Marriage preparation is a sacred time to recognize God’s grace at work in your relationship and to grow together in faith and love as you prepare for a shared life.

The Diocese of New Ulm offers marriage preparation options to help couples deepen their understanding of sacramental marriage, strengthen communication, and build a strong foundation for married life. Below you will find resources and programs to guide and accompany you as you prepare for this sacred journey together.

Engaged Couples Guide

This printable guide is an essential starting point for couples preparing to marry in the Diocese of New Ulm. It outlines the marriage preparation process, timelines, and requirements, while also offering spiritual and practical guidance for your engagement period. Whether you are newly engaged or already planning your wedding, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how the Church will walk with you during this time of preparation.

Click HERE or on the booklet to the left to view the guide.


Marriage Preparation Program

The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is designed specifically for engaged couples and provides dedicated time to explore and strengthen your relationship. Through presentations and private couple dialogue, participants are invited to reflect on important aspects of married life, including commitment, communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, family life, finances, and faith.

The program emphasizes honest communication and discovery, helping couples grow in understanding of themselves, one another, and the sacramental nature of marriage. Presentations are led by married couples and trained facilitators who share practical insights and experiences from marriage and family life.

UPCOMING PROGRAM DATES:

  • September 19, 2026

  • February 6, 2027

  • March 6, 2027

  • April 3, 2027

  • September 18, 2027

REGISTER HERE!

QUICK FACTS:

  • Location: Church of St. Catherine, 900 E. Flynn Street, Redwood Falls

  • Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

  • Program fee: $150 per couple (includes materials, lunch, and refreshments).

  • Space is limited; early registration encouraged!

registration information

  • Registration and payment must be submitted online.

  • Registration is subject to review by the Office of Family Life. You will receive an acknowledgment email after submitting your registration and an official confirmation once your registration has been reviewed.

  • We will contact you if any additional information is needed to complete your registration.

  • A program schedule and additional information will be mailed approximately two weeks before the program date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO NOTE:

  • Cancellations made fewer than 10 business days before the program date are subject to a $35 non-refundable administrative fee.

  • No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

  • Minnesota offers a reduced marriage license fee for couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education. To qualify, participants must attend the entire Marriage Preparation Program and any other required sessions, then obtain the appropriate certificate from their parish.

    • Please note: The certificate needed to receive the reduced marriage license fee is issued by your parish. It is not the certificate of attendance provided at the Marriage Preparation Program.

Remarriage Program

The Remarriage Preparation Program is designed for couples in these situations: one or both are divorced and the annulment process has been completed; one or both are widowed or already in a second marriage and desire to have their marriage validated in the Church.

In addition to topics covered in the regular marriage preparation program, the remarriage preparation program considers topics such as step-parenting and blending families, relating with a partner's former spouse and in-laws, and grieving issues related to divorce or death of a former spouse.

***There are no remarriage program dates scheduled in 2026 or 2027 within the Diocese of New Ulm.***

Approved Marriage Preparation Options Outside the Diocese of new ulm

In some circumstances, couples may participate in approved marriage preparation programs and seminars offered by dioceses outside the Diocese of New Ulm. The programs listed below have been reviewed and approved as fulfilling diocesan marriage preparation requirements.

If a couple wishes to attend a marriage preparation program not listed here, they are encouraged to consult with their parish priest or deacon before registering. This ensures that the program meets diocesan guidelines and receives approval in advance.