Diocesan Resources
Marriage Preparation in the Larger Framework of Marriage Formation by Frank P. Hannigan (2006)
Marriage Preparation in the Larger Framework of Marriage Formation by Frank P. Hannigan, Family Ministries Office, Archdiocese of Chicago
What I have been asked to address is the role of marriage preparation in the larger framework of marriage formation. I agree that in the area of marriage preparation we have much of which to be proud. The Catholic Church as a whole, and some dioceses in particular, offer an outstanding, comprehensive process to engaged couples as they prepare for their marriage. The engaged couples and the Catholic Church are better off because of this ministry. Having said that, I also believe more strongly now than ever before that we are just scratching the surface of what needs to be done to truly support the vocation of marriage. We simply are not doing enough. Let me explain.
First, we begin talking about marriage only after a couple has decided to get married. The formative time from when a child is born until he/she becomes engaged, which is typically in the mid to late twenties, is a veritable desert. Individuals are bombarded with society’s views on marriage. Magazines, billboards, television and movies inundate impressionable minds that marriage is not necessary, that when it comes to sex if it feels good do it and that the way to have a good marriage is to spend the most money on your wedding. In any case, according to Hollywood, no one stays married.
Despite the fact that some children are raised in intact families and a small minority of children receive the benefit of a Catholic education, we lose the battle for forming and shaping what young people think about marriage.