Official Website of Snehalaya Family Service Centre | Archdiocese of Bombay
Letter of Introduction from Bishop Barthol Barretto, Auxiliary Bishop in charge of Family Ministry in the Archdiocese of Bombay.
This letter offers encouragement and guidance for couples, underscoring the importance of the Marriage Preparation Course as a foundation for a strong, faith-filled marriage.Â
Fr. Cleophas Fernandes, Director of Snehalaya, shares valuable insights on the journey of preparing for marriage. His talk emphasizes the significance of this formative period, highlighting the essential qualities and skills that contribute to a lasting and fulfilling relationship.
This module delves into the profound significance of marriage as a sacrament, guiding couples to understand the sacred nature of their union. Fr. Ternan Monteiro, S.J., offers valuable insights into how marriage reflects God’s love, serving as a covenant that brings couples closer to Him and to each other.
This enlightening talk by Fr. Emmanuel K.T. focuses on the essential elements of marriage as taught in the Roman Catholic Church’s Canon Law and its intersections with civil law. As couples prepare for the sacrament of marriage, this session offers a comprehensive understanding of both the spiritual and legal dimensions of this sacred union.
Listen attentively to this critical session and take personal notes on the points discussed. Understanding both the canonical and civil perspectives is essential to fully appreciate the sacred and societal responsibilities of marriage. This preparation will help you approach your union with clarity, commitment and reverence for its dual significance.Â
This insightful module by Fr. Ashwin Castellino explores the profound call to intimacy within marriage. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing and deepening the bond between spouses in various dimensions to create a fulfilling and enduring partnership.Â
Key Areas of Intimacy Covered:Â
• Intellectual Intimacy
• Emotional Intimacy
• Social Intimacy
• Spiritual Intimacy
• Physical Intimacy
This module provides an in-depth exploration of human sexuality within the context of faith, marriage, and moral theology. It is designed to guide couples in understanding the sacredness of sexuality and its moral implications, as taught by the Catholic Church.
This engaging module offers practical guidance on navigating the daily realities of married life. Francis and Christine Silveira draw from their experiences to provide couples with tools to build a strong and enduring relationship by addressing key areas essential for a harmonious marriage.
It is highly recommended to complete your Civil or Court Marriage preferably before your Church Marriage. This ensures that your marital status is legally recognized in secular institutions where the Church Marriage Certificate may not always be accepted.
However, it is essential to note that within the Catholic faith, it is only after the Church Marriage that you are considered husband and wife in the eyes of God and the Church, permitting you to fully live out your married life as a sacrament.
 Steps for Civil Marriage:
 1.   Approach the Civil Marriage Court:
Visit your local Civil Marriage Court to initiate the process.
 2.   Documents Required:
Two passport-sized photographs of you and your partner.
Valid identification documents such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card and, if possible, Passports (along with photocopies).
 3.   Appointment Scheduling:
The court will schedule an appointment for your Civil Marriage. They will also inform you about the necessary arrangements.
Bring Witnesses:
On the appointed day, bring the required number of witnesses along with their personal identification documents for verification.
By completing both the Civil and Church Marriages, you ensure that your union is recognized both legally and sacramentally, reflecting its dual significance in your life together.
Note: Couples from different faith backgrounds who are preparing for marriage are required to view and study the Interfaith Marriages video, which provides essential guidance on navigating a multi-faith relationship. After watching, couples should complete the accompanying worksheets to reflect on key topics discussed. In addition to the interfaith module, these couples must also complete the other core modules relevant to all marriages.
Upon completion of both the general and interfaith modules, couples should schedule a meeting with the priest at their respective parishes to discuss their preparation and address any questions they may have.