Snehalaya Family Service Centre - Marriage Preparation

Official Website of Snehalaya Family Service Centre | Archdiocese of Bombay

Marriage is one of life’s most profound commitments. Preparing for marriage is very important and often overlooked in the excitement of planning for the wedding.

The Marriage Preparation Course in the Catholic Church, often known as Pre-Cana, is mandatory in the Archdiocese of Bombay. Couples are encouraged to complete the course (whether in-person or online) at least six months before your marriage but no later than three months before the wedding.

A Marriage Preparation Course is your opportunity to step into this journey equipped with the tools you need for success. Through guided sessions, expert advice and meaningful conversations, you will:

Understand Each Other Better: Explore each other’s values, expectations and dreams to create a deeper connection.
Learn to Communicate Effectively: Develop skills to navigate difficult conversations with respect and empathy.
Strengthen Your Foundation: Gain insights into managing finances, handling conflicts and fostering intimacy.
Grow in Faith and Commitment: Discover how to build a marriage rooted in mutual trust, respect and shared spiritual growth.

The MPC certificate is a prerequisite for the next step in the Church’s marriage preparation process—completing the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry (PNE) form. The MPC should be completed SIX MONTHS before the wedding to gain the best benefit from them. This timing allows ample space for reflection and growth, avoiding the hectic period immediately preceding your wedding.

Please note, this course is intended only for the Archdiocese of Bombay. Couples from outside Mumbai should seek guidance from their local dioceses.

FOR THOSE RESIDING OUT OF MUMBAI

It is strongly recommended that both the prospective bride and groom attend the in-person MPC together. However, if the couple is employed outside Mumbai, it becomes the responsibility of the couple to complete this course in the diocese of employment or where they have been residing for over 6 months.

If either partner is residing out of Mumbai, the couple could opt for the online MPC with the requisite permission of their parish priest.

IF ONE OF YOU WAS MARRIED BEFORE

This applies to any previous marriage, whether it took place within or outside the Catholic Church, and regardless of whether either party was Catholic or not.

"One should not consider entering a new marriage unless they are truly free to marry. Only after receiving an official Declaration of Nullity can a person be recognized as free to do so."

If either you or your intended spouse has been previously married, it is essential to inform your Parish Priest or contact the Diocesan Tribunal. Before a new marriage can take place, the Church must formally examine and address the previous marriage through either a documentary case, a privilege case, or a formal Declaration of Nullity process.

Seeking proper guidance ensures that your marriage is valid in the eyes of the Church and aligned with its teachings.

Below are the Marriage Preparation Courses that are being OFFICIALLY organized.

Please pick from these options provided below to complete your Marriage Preparation Course.

Selecting the course that best aligns with your circumstances will enrich your preparation, laying a strong foundation for your married life.

UNDERSTANDING MIXED MARRIAGE & DISPARITY OF CULT MARRIAGE

Mixed marriages are of two types

A "Mixed Religion Marriage" - This is a marriage between a baptized Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic viz. Christians of other denominations and churches like Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Protestant, etc.

A "Disparity of Cult Marriage" is a marriage between a baptized Catholic and an unapprised person of another faith, viz. Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Parsi, etc. In cases of an interfaith marriage or disparity of cult (marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic / person of other faith), the couple must first meet with a priest to understand the required procedure.

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