Preparation & Discernment
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Marriage Preparation & Discernment
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Marriage is one of life’s most significant milestones and an essential part of the life of the Church. Through this lifelong bond, the love you share, rooted in Jesus Christ, extends beyond your family and strengthens the Church and community as a whole. The Church walks alongside couples throughout marriage preparation, offering guidance, prayer, and spiritual formation to help them enter this vocation with intention, faith, and a deep commitment to one another.
"Marriage consecrated by God preserves that bond between man and woman that God has blessed ever since the creation of the world." - Pope Francis
An important first step in preparing for marriage is to meet with a priest or deacon. This conversation allows you to reserve a date and church for your wedding and to begin the immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Together, you can discuss the marriage preparation requirements and explore the options available in your area. Participation may take place through a program offered at your parish or through another option recognized by the Diocese of Portland.
Most parishes offer marriage preparation programs once a year. Some are held in person, while others are offered fully or partially online, allowing couples to choose the format that best fits their needs.
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In-Person Marriage Preparation Programs
- Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes
- St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
- Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
- Christian Life Center, Frenchville
- All Saints Parish, Brunswick
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Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes
Catholic parishes in Greater Portland offer the “Transformed in Love” sacramental marriage preparation program, a clergy and parish-led experience designed to help engaged couples reflect on their Catholic faith, the sacrament of marriage, and the realities of married life. The program is hosted at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Rectory and is open to all engaged couples, with preference given to those preparing for marriage in the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes and St. John Paul II Parish. A $100 registration fee is required, and financial assistance is available. Couples should confirm with their pastor that this program fulfills their parish marriage preparation requirements before registering.
For more information on the program, please call the Portland Peninsula and Islands Pastoral Center at 207-773-7746.
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St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
Transformed in Love: A Catholic Marriage Preparation Program will be held at St. Joseph Church, 531 Main Street in Brewer on October 3 and 4, 2026. Topics will include knowing your true self, strengthening communication skills, managing expectations, financial planning and strategies, and keeping Christ at the center of our marriage. The cost is $100 per couple, which covers materials and meals.
Registration: Marriage Ministry - St. Paul the Apostle Parish - Bangor, ME
Contact: Jennifer Hikel at 207-217-1449 or [email protected]
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Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
Future dates coming soon to the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul at 122 Ash Street in Lewiston.
To register or for more information, email: [email protected].
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Christian Life Center, Frenchville
The Christian Life Center holds a Marriage Prep retreat. The total fee for the retreat is $150 per couple. Remote attendance is possible if you are unable to attend in person.
For more information or to register contact [email protected] or 207-543-6193.
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All Saints Parish, BrunswickAll Saints Parish in Brunswick hosts a Marriage Preparation Retreat. It will be led by All Saints Parish Marriage Preparation Team, which includes married couples and clergy. You will be inspired and challenged through presentations, personal reflection, couples’ conversations, group sharing, and Mass. Presentations are based on Better Together, published by Dynamic Catholic.
Cost: $50/couple
For more information, please email [email protected].