Ephesians 5:31-33: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
 

The marriage of a Christian man and woman is a sacred covenant, raised by Jesus Christ to the dignity of a sacrament, a symbol of his love for his people. A wedding is a Church liturgy, with every aspect expressing the sense of the prayerful and the sacred.

A wedding is for a day, a marriage is for a lifetime. The Church’s responsibility extends not only to guiding the couple in planning their wedding, but to the extent possible, offering available resources to help them prepare for that lifetime together. In the Diocese of Steubenville there are requirements for marriage preparation listed below. It is recommended that the preparations for the marriage begin well before this timeline.

To start your marriage preparations, please contact Father Tom at least six-months prior to your wedding date.

FIVE STEP PROCESS 
Marriage preparation in the Diocese of Steubenville consists of the following five steps. 
 
STEP 1 – Meetings with Priest or Deacon 
Six to twelve months prior to the anticipated wedding date, you will need to meet with the priest or deacon who will be preparing you for marriage. He will walk you through the preparation process, help you to evaluate your readiness for marriage, and offer you some tools for preparing to make this life-long commitment. 
 
STEP 2 - Comprehensive Introduction to the Theology of the Body
We live in a culture that often upholds and promotes messages in conflict with the Gospel. This has obscured the Catholic understanding of marriage and sexuality. The Theology of the Body, created by St. John Paul II, offers a fresh and modern perspective on human sexuality, the dignity of man and woman and the sacred calling of marriage. Couples are often surprised by the very positive approach to sex offered by the Theology of the Body.

A special overview of the Theology of the Body has been created for couples preparing for marriage by Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak: "The Catholic Vision of Love – a Marriage Preparation Course." The full course consists of 12 brief videos (each less than 10 minutes). The entire course can be completed in a couple of hours. It's recommended that couples watch one (or a few) videos at a time. Take your time to reflect about the presentations and discuss them together. Registration (along with a nominal fee to cover operating costs) is required to view the series. The course utilizes a Learning Management System (LMS) which requires participants to answer a few basic comprehension questions to move on to the next video. (NOTE: the LMS requires each individual to register separately.) Upon successful completion of the course, each participant receives a certificate that can be presented to the priest or deacon preparing you for marriage. Go to the following website to complete Step 2:
https://www.catholiccounselors.com/courses/course-1/
  
STEP 3 – Marriage Life-Skills Workshop or Retreat 
The workshop or retreat will help you to dive deeper into your marriage preparation and offer you concrete tools to build your married-life together. For different options for completing this requirement, ask the priest or deacon preparing you for marriage or visit www.diosteub.org/family/marriage-preparation
 
STEP 4 – Course in Natural Family Planning 
Catholic teaching on sex and responsible parenthood is often greatly misunderstood. Although all couples entering into marriage need to be open to the gift of children, the Catholic Church specifically encourages couples to discern for themselves the timing and number of their children. This must always be done through morally acceptable means and with an openness to God’s calling.

As part of your preparation for marriage, you are required to attend a diocesan-approved course in Natural Family Planning. These courses offer scientifically-based methods of fertility awareness that are proven to be effective in postponing pregnancy. Natural Family Planning also respects God’s design for human sexuality. 

Various methods of training are available in the diocese, although not all are available in each region. (Online courses are available as well.) Most courses require at least three classes over a period of three months. The cost of instruction is determined by each provider and varies considerably. For different options for completing this requirement, ask the priest or deacon preparing you or visit www.diosteub.org/family/nfp
 
Here is one option that meets the diocesan requirements:
https://catholiccourses.advancedministries.com/course/learn-nfp-online/
 
 
STEP 5 – Finalize Preparations 
One to two months prior to the wedding date, you will meet with the priest or deacon who will be officiating at the wedding to finalize all preparations. You will have the opportunity to review your marriage preparation with him and to make final plans for the Wedding Liturgy. (You are strongly encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the celebration of Matrimony.)