Table of Contents for documents

Table of Contents for the 9 documents which follow:        [Jun 13, 2023 - updated]

In 2016, Pope Francis wrote Amoris Laetitia, On Love in the Family, which affirmed the importance of formation for marriage and family life taking place in local parishes:

para 206. “The complexity of today's society and the challenges faced by the family require a greater effort on the part of the whole Christian community in preparing those who are about to be married. The importance of the virtues needs to be included. Among these, chastity proves invaluable for the genuine growth of love between persons. In this regard, the Synod Fathers agreed on the need to involve the entire community more extensively by stressing the witness of families themselves and by grounding marriage preparation in the process of Christian initiation by bringing out the connection between marriage, baptism and the other sacraments. The Fathers also spoke of the need for specific programs of marriage preparation aimed at giving couples a genuine experience of participation in ecclesial life and a complete introduction to various aspects of family life."

The following documents have been written to focus on specific elements of setting up the use of the Sponsor Couple ™ program in the parish and a structure for diocesean support:

1 – Canons 1063 & 1064 - Catechesis and Preparation for the Vocation of marriage.

The commentary on Canon 1063 defines three phases of marriage preparation (Remote, Proximate, and Immediate)  and the importance of pastoral care beyond the wedding for married couples.

2 – Canon Law & Sponsor Couple ™ ministry for Matrimony.

This provides a definition for sponsor couples using the information about sponsors for Baptism.

3 – Criteria for Recruiting couples to be trained for Sponsor Couple ™ministry.

This “check list” should be useful.

4 – Diocesan Structure: Sponsor Couple ™ Committee & Training.

While sponsor couples function in parishes, it is very important to establish a diocesan structure to provide appropriate support and over-sight.

5 – Question: How to translate "Sponsor Couple ™" into Spanish.

It is a challenge that we think we have solved.

6 – An “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” for Matrimony.

6 points for consideration.

7 – A Parish Plan for Marriage Preparation: REMOTE, PROXIMATE, IMMEDIATE, NEWLYWEDS.

8 – Sponsor Couple ™ ministry -  A Peer to Peer process benefitting engaged couples & their sponsors.

A unique element of “peer to peer” ministry is that both couples become learners and both couples benefit from the experience.

9 - The Pastor's Handbook - Just 1 page of critical information!