Marriage Preparation Program

"Telling Anew The Story of Marriage"
Diocesan Marriage Preparation Guidelines

The 2008 marriage preparation guidelines that Bishop Malone approved for Clusters to implement, "Telling Anew the Story of Marriage", are posted here, as well as:

• An outline of the content/topics that must be part of all marriage-preparation programs in our diocese
• Suggestions/recommendations for sample programs that meet these guidelines

Download "Telling Anew the Story of Marriage"

Marriage Preparation Programs at former
St. Paul's Center in Augusta (now The Hill Mansion)

A Back-Up for Parishes/Clusters

Many clusters now offer their own marriage preparation program to better accommodate engaged couples in their area. Through these local programs, engaged couples have opportunities to build stronger relationships with their parish/cluster staff, as well as with other engaged couples who are members of the same parish/cluster. It also eliminates having to travel to Augusta for a marriage preparation program — and may be less costly than the program at St. Paul’s Center.

There are now marriage preparation programs offered in the following areas:

• Portland
• Brunswick
• So. Portland/Scarborough/Cape Elizabeth Cluster
• Biddeford
• Waterville
• Auburn & Lewiston
• Houlton

Catholic Charities Maine will continue to offer a program for engaged couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony through 2010. This is a "back-up" only for couples who cannot attend a program in their own parish/cluster. We now reserve registrations only for couples who do not live in or near one of these locations. Exceptions are made only if there is no other option for an engaged couple.

If you live in or near one of the areas listed above, please contact the priest or deacon preparing you for marriage for dates and locations of nearby programs before sending in a registration for the St. Paul’s Center program; or contact the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation at the Chancery: Michael M. Lavigne, Director;
Phone: (207) 773-6471 x7870. E-mail at: Michael.Lavigne@portlanddiocese.org

Staff and married couples facilitate the day-long program at St. Paul’s Center which includes presentations, individual couple exercises, and small group discussions. Topics include: Sacrament of Marriage; communication; dealing with conflict; emotional and sexual intimacy; Natural Family Planning; money matters; and influences from family of origin. The day closes with a ritual to renew your Engagement. Coffee and pastries are available on arrival. A hot buffet lunch is provided.

At the end of the program day, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance to bring to the priest or deacon preparing you for marriage. Though attending such a program is required in the Diocese of Portland, the day is truly a "gift" of time and companionship you make to each other. You will spend quality time together strengthening your relationship and sharing your hopes for your marriage.


Upcoming Programs (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the former St. Paul’s Center in Augusta (now called The Hill Mansion):

Saturday, May 1, 2010 (Full - no more space available)

Saturday, November 6, 2010


For more information, call 1-800-CARE-002, ext. 2672 or E-mail: psm@ccmaine.org

Cost of the program is $100 per couple (a partial scholarship or payment plan is possible upon request, when necessary). Otherwise, we request full payment when registering. Phone inquiries can be made at 1-800-CARE-002, ext. 2672. Space is limited to 40 couples, with preference given to couples from areas where there is no marriage preparation program. If there is no other program available to you, registration is complete and your space reserved when we receive a completed registration form and payment. We will send you an e-mail confirming your registration. Cancellations with requests for refunds incur a $25.00 administrative fee.

Please download and complete registration form enclose your registration fee ($100), made payable to Catholic Charities Maine Marriage Prep., and send to:

Catholic Charities Maine Marriage Preparation
P.O. Box 10660
Portland, ME 04104-0660