Marriage Education Programs

Because marriage is lifelong, the Catholic Church wants to help couples build strong, lasting marriages. For this reason, couples seeking marriage in the Church are asked to spend six or more months in marriage preparation, which includes an education program and Natural Family Planning (NFP). To fulfill the educational portion of marriage preparation in the Diocese of Little Rock, engaged couples must attend Pre-Cana Day, the Sponsor Couple program or some other diocesan-approved marriage education program. This is determined with your pastor. Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. | Español | Contact Us

Sponsor Couple

Sponsor Couple is a couple-to-couple marriage preparation ministry between married and engaged couples. The sponsor couple or mentor couple assists the engaged couple in reflecting on the reality of married life. Topics covered include the sacrament of marriage, family of origin, communication, finances, love and sexuality and parenting. To find out if this program is offered in your parish, contact your parish directly or speak to your pastor.

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Virtual Pre-Cana Day

Register for Pre-Cana

Pre-Cana Day offers engaged couples an opportunity to explore their relationship in a spiritual context, guided by experienced facilitators. This online program focuses on the Catholic teaching of marriage and helping couples strengthen their bond and spiritual connection. Visit the Calendar of Events to find available dates. Click on a date to register online. Pre-Cana and Convalidation programs are combined into one event for Spanish-speaking couples.

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Virtual Convalidation Class

Register for Convalidation Class

Couples who are married civilly ("outside the Catholic Church") and want their marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate in a special marriage preparation program, complete paperwork and have vows witnessed by a priest or deacon. The Diocese of Little Rock offers convalidation classes to fulfill this marriage preparation requirement.

This online class focuses on the Catholic teaching of marriage and helping couples strengthen their bond and spiritual connection. It is guided by experienced facilitators. With the approval of your pastor, please visit the Calendar of Events to find available dates. Click on a date to register online. Pre-Cana and Convalidation programs are combined into one event for Spanish-speaking couples.

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