Richmond Diocese sets new requirements for marriage preparation

Published: 2007-09-06

RICHMOND, Va. (CNS) -- Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond has approved a new diocesanwide marriage preparation process that will require engaged couples to take a premarital inventory, a full course in natural family planning and an educational program on Pope John Paul II's "theology of the body." The changes came at the urging of a committee formed to review and recommend enhancements to the diocese's existing marriage preparation process. Engaged couples still will begin their marriage preparation process by meeting with their parish priest or deacon. Under the new structure, however, that meeting will be followed by a premarital inventory to assess the couple's strengths and areas that need further exploration. Additional components of the marriage preparation process will include a new catechetical program on marriage and sexuality called "God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage" and instruction in one of the many natural family planning methods taught in the diocese.

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