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 a series of presentations and private couple dialogue, you will be invited to reflect on key elements of married life, including commitment, communication, conflict resolution, intimacy and sexuality, children and parenting, work and finances, and faith and spirituality.

The program emphasizes honest communication and discovery, helping couples grow in understanding of themselves, one another, and the sacramental nature of marriage. Presentations are offered by married couples and trained individuals who generously share their experiences, joys, and challenges of marriage and family life.

Each program is a full-day experience held at the Church of St. Catherine in Redwood Falls. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Couples are asked to select a second-choice date that is at least one month prior to their wedding.

Click HERE or on the brochure to the right to view the fillable PDF form.

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 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.