Congratulations on your engagement! If you're reading this, you're likely embarking on the exciting journey of planning your Catholic marriage. This special time is not just about organizing a beautiful wedding; it's a sacred opportunity to build a strong foundation for your lifelong sacramental union.
During your engagement, focus on deepening your relationship with God and each other. Explore ways to grow spiritually together, strengthening your bond as you prepare for marriage. Let's dive into tips and resources that can help you navigate this important period and embrace the joy of your upcoming Catholic wedding!
I. The Power of Prayer Together
Daily Prayer Practices for Engaged Couples
Prayer is a meaningful conversation with God, and there's no one better to share this journey with than your best friend and future spouse. Start and end each day with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude or intention. Picture holding hands and praying for each other's dreams and spiritual growth. This practice not only fosters a deep connection but also lays the foundation for a loving and supportive marriage. Embrace the power of prayer together to strengthen your relationship and enhance your spiritual journey as a couple.
The Importance of a Prayer Routine
Set aside time each week for joint reflection in your marriage. Consider reading the day’s Gospel together or meditating on Scripture. A great starting point is the book of Tobit, which beautifully illustrates what a Godly marriage looks like. The story of Tobias and Sarah exemplifies trust in God's plan for the sanctification of your future marriage.
Engage in discussions about how to live your faith in everyday life. Daily practices such as praying the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet can help you build a strong spiritual habit. These activities not only deepen your faith but also strengthen the bond between you and your spouse, bringing you closer together. Embrace these moments of reflection and prayer to nurture a loving and faith-filled marriage.
II. Novenas for Engaged Couples
Introduction to Novenas as a Devotional Practice
Have you heard of novenas? They’re a series of nine-day prayers that focus on a specific intention, often dedicated to a particular cause or need. Rooted in Catholic faith, novenas can be prayed alone or in a group, allowing for communal support. Consider inviting the bridal party in pray a novena for your future marriage with you. They’re a beautiful way for couples to unite their prayers, as they seek grace and guidance for their future marriage. By praying together, couples not only deepen their spiritual connection but also strengthen their bond as they embark on the journey of building a life together. Novenas can help them reflect on their relationship, seek wisdom in their decisions, and invite blessings into their upcoming union.
Recommended Novenas for Engagement:
- St. Joseph Novena: Seek patience, strength, and fatherly guidance from the patron of husbands and families.
- Our Lady, Undoer of Knots Novena: Perfect for resolving any wedding planning or family challenges.
- Novena to St. Anne and St. Joachim: For strength and virtue to build a faithful family, inspired by the parents of Mary.
III. Patron Saints of Marriage and How to Seek Their Intercession
Introducing Saints as Intercessors
Think of patron saints as spiritual intercessors who deeply understand the struggles and joys you are experiencing right now. They serve as incredible models of virtue and exemplify Christ's love in their interactions with others. For couples preparing for marriage, seeking the guidance of these saints can be incredibly inspiring and reassuring, offering a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. Devotion to a particular saint can take many forms, such as prayer, meditation, or asking for thier intercession. This practice not only honors the saint but also provides a beautiful way to grow closer as a couple, as you embrace the values and teachings of your chosen saint. By doing so, you cultivate a role model of living a saintly life, enriching your relationship and fostering a deeper understanding of love and commitment.
Key Patron Saints for Couples Preparing for Marriage
St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary: Exemplars of marriage and family life.
St. Valentine: Patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages.
St. Raphael the Archangel: Known for healing and protecting the Sacrament of Marriage.
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin: Parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, offering an inspiring model of holy family life.
IV. Other Ways to Grow in Faith During Engagement
Attending Mass Together Regularly
Sharing in the Eucharist and receiving grace through the Sacraments is an essential part of growing in faith as a couple. Make mass something special, it is the source and summit of our Faith after all. Try dressing up for mass more than normal, especially for weekday mass.
Engagement Retreats and Pre-Cana Programs
These programs are like relationship boot camps for your soul! They prepare you spiritually and emotionally for marriage. Pre-Cana helps prepare you to be the best married couple you can be. It addresses issues such as finances, raising kids, theology of the body, and communicating expectations. Many Catholic dioceses offer retreats focusing on spiritual growth and relational skills. Look at your local diocese retreat resources or asking at local parishes to see if there are retreats being offered near you.
Another resource is the Catholic Bridal Collective. They are a great place for starting your search for materials and programs to sanctify your engagement. They have fantastic partners who specialize in Pre-Cana and Theology of the Body programs so that you and your spouse can learn to love well and in a properly ordered way :) Who wouldn't want that?
Reading Catholic Marriage and Spiritual Books Together
Dive into books like "Three to Get Married" by Fulton J. Sheen or "The Jeweler's Shop" by St. John Paul II. Sharing thoughts on these readings is a wonderful way to grow together. Sharing in a book study allows for you two to share your thought processes and grow in intellectual and spiritual intimacy.
Make a Weekly Holy Hour Together
A Holy Hour is an intentional time in your day or week to spend with the Creator of the universe. Its time every week to check in with God and recenter your life around what's important, Him. With God as your foundation, all the little messy things in life become more manageable. This link to Hallow explains how to make a Holy Hour and just how pivotal they can be in your life.
Conclusion
Your engagement is an invitation to develop a strong spiritual foundation for marriage. Cherish this sacred time. You'll only be engaged once. Blessings and joy to you both as you prepare for your wedding and lifelong commitment. May your love story continue to grow in faith and devotion!
Feel free to reach out to share your own engagement stories or ask questions. You can also inquire with me here to talk more about your wedding day!
You are in my prayers :)
