What is Marriage Preparation in the Catholic Church?

Catholic marriage preparation is the Church’s multi-stage process of helping couples prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically for the sacrament of Matrimony. It includes remote preparation (your lifelong formation in the faith), proximate preparation (the months of direct Pre-Cana work before your wedding), and canonical requirements that ensure the marriage is valid. It’s not just paperwork and a weekend retreat – it’s the Church taking seriously the fact that you’re about to enter one of the most consequential commitments of your life. ...

February 23, 2026 · 3 min · Katie Palitto

What is the FOCCUS Inventory and How Does It Work?

The FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) inventory is a pre-marriage assessment tool widely used in Catholic marriage preparation. Each partner answers a series of statements independently, and the results highlight where you agree, where you disagree, and where important conversations still need to happen. It’s not a pass/fail test – it’s a tool for honest dialogue before you stand at the altar. The Deeper Story I’ll be honest: most couples feel a little nervous about marriage assessments. There’s a fear that some quiz will tell you that you’re not compatible, or that a priest will say you can’t get married. That’s not what FOCCUS does. It’s designed to open conversations, not shut them down. ...

February 23, 2026 · 2 min · Katie Palitto

What is the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory?

The FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) Pre-Marriage Inventory is an assessment tool widely used in Catholic marriage preparation programs. Each partner answers a series of statements independently, and the results reveal areas of alignment, areas that need conversation, and potential blind spots in the relationship. It’s not a test you pass or fail – it’s a guided starting point for the honest conversations every couple needs to have before they stand at the altar. ...

February 23, 2026 · 2 min · Katie Palitto