IN 2022, THE VATICAN published Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life, a framework that outlines the Church’s desire to more intentionally accompany and evangelize couples seeking the sacrament of marriage.
THE VATICAN’S CATECHUMENAL PATHWAYS FOR MARRIED LIFE IS A FRAMEWORK THAT OUTLINES THE CHURCH’S DESIRE TO MORE INTENTIONALLY ACCOMPANY AND EVANGELIZE COUPLES SEEKING THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE. PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/
DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The 100-page document is meant to draw couples into a profound conversion through the phases of formation that begin long before a couple considers marriage. Pope Francis writes that, in the same way that the catechumenate “is part of the sacramental process for the baptism of adults, so too may the marriage preparation form an integral part of the whole sacramental procedure of marriage.”
The document offers a goal but leaves the details up to individual dioceses to implement the process that best suits their community. To that end and inspired by the California Bishops’ Radiate Love Initiative this year, Linda Ji, director of the Office of Family Life at the Diocese of Orange, held a Marriage Catechumenate Summit on Feb. 15 at Christ Cathedral.
JODY MILLSPAUGH (PICTURED) AND HER HUSBAND, DEACON RUSS MILLSPAUGH, ARE INVOLVED IN THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA IN ANAHEIM HILLS.
“We are just beginning a process that could take a generation to fully implement, right now, we are in the beginning stages,” said Ji. “We are talking to the parish marriage preparation ministry leaders, deacons, priests and couples to brainstorm.”
Jody Millspaugh and her husband, Deacon Russ Millspaugh, have been very involved in the marriage preparation program at San Antonio de Padua in Anaheim Hills.
“The idea comes from Rome, then through the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops and finally to the Diocese tasked with designing their individual programs. Marriage is a vocation, and we are looking at a process to form Catholics and set them up for success.”
From a sacramental perspective, the Church starts with Baptism, then nothing else for about seven years until First Communion and Reconciliation. Then, a few years later, we have confirmation, and, much later, marriage and finally, the anointing of the sick.
The idea is to begin with childhood preparation, focusing on self-esteem, respect for others and awareness of one’s dignity. This formation based on human and spiritual growth helps young people mature into generous and self-giving adults, those best suited to a strong marriage.
The formation continues as the person comes into adulthood.
“We are considering a Rite of Betrothal, before the final marriage prep course and into the first years of married life,” said Jody.
At St. Mary’s parish in Fullerton, Mayra Encinas works with young adults and couples preparing for marriage.
“We need to collaborate with the whole parish. We are in the business of helping form people from birth to death.”
FR. IAN GASTON OVERSEES THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL PARISH.
Fr. Ian Gaston, who oversees the marriage preparation program at Christ Cathedral parish, put it most succinctly: “In 25 years, we want to see people come to us who are well prepared for marriage emotionally and spiritually.”