REQUIREMENTS

• The couple must set up a meeting with the pastor at least 6 months prior to the marriage.
• At the first meeting, the date for the marriage will be reviewed.  The pastor will begin the preparation  process through an initial interview of the couple.
• Attendance at a retreat for engaged couples is suggested.
• Attendance at a Pre-Marriage Workshop is required.

MARRIAGE POLICIES

Matrimony is the sacrament of unity.  Signifying the union of Christ and the Church.  It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love which Christ has loved his Church.  By this grace they “help one another to attain holiness in their married life welcoming and educating their children.  To help  the engaged couple to grow in understanding and appreciation for the sacrament, Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin  of New Richmond and St. Patrick’s of Erin Prairie has adopted the following policies.
 
In the summer of 1994, the Catholic Bishops of the State of Wisconsin set forth a revised Common   Policy for Marriage Preparation.  The process presumes six months, although this can be reduced (accelerated) if necessary.  There are three steps or phases to the preparation required by the bishops and a fourth step is required by our parish community.

ASSESSMENT -- This step begins with an appointment with the pastor.  During this session the entire Common Policy will be explained.  The pre-marital inventory, Facilitating Open Couple Communication,   Understanding and Study (FOCCUS),  will be administered.

MARRIAGE WORKSHOP --  We provide a one day workshop for engaged couples.  This pre-marriage seminar is designed to help couples focus on four areas of a relationship that will be helpful in developing and maintaining a strong Christian marriage.  Couples will be advised about these sessions during their first meeting with the pastor and will attend one before their marriage
 

HOLY ORDERS
CALL TO RELIGIOUS LIFE

As a person is growing in the love of the Lord, you may discern that God is calling you to service in the church.  This call may be to the priesthood, to the deaconate, or to the religious life as a brother or sister.  Each of these calls may come about in different ways for different people, and at different ages.     Preparation for each of these vocations takes different forms.  If you feel that one of these vocations may be your calling, or if you have questions, feel free to call one of the following people:  Father James Brinkman, 246-4652; Deacon Mike Germain, 246-5303; Father Kevin Gordon (head of vocations -  Diocese of Superior), 234-2032.
 

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for the living.  This Sacrament can be received whenever a need for  healing is felt by a person, whether it be when a person feels a need for emotional healing, spiritual   healing, or physical healing.  If you would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please call Fr. James Brinkman, 246-4652 ext. 2 or 246-2294.