How do I prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage?
Marriage preparation in the Archdiocese of Hartford is conducted primarily at the parish level. This can be done whether you are being married within or outside the Archdiocese.
Marriages within the Archdiocese of Hartford
Congratulations on your engagement! Now what? First, you should contact the church where you wish to be married at least 6 months prior to your desired wedding date. Generally you will be married at your parish church, although anyone in the Archdiocese of Hartford can be married at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph.
Your parish will discuss all of the details of the marriage preparation process, and help you prepare for the ceremony. You will meet several times with the priest, deacon or lay minister who will discuss aspects of Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church.
You should also be prepared to get new copies of your Baptismal Certificates so the parish can establish your freedom to marry.
Marriages outside the Archdiocese of Hartford
If you plan on being married at a church outside the Archdiocese, you should still contact your local parish about marriage preparation. You will be able to do your marriage preparation work at your parish, who will then be responsible for sending the completed file for you to the Archdiocese of Hartford. Once complete and reviewed it will be sent to the Diocese where your wedding will take place.
Besides the regular requirements, you will also need to complete Witness Forms, two each for the Bride and Groom.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Valerie St. Jean, Associate Director of Adult and Family Life Ministries
Office of Faith Formation & Parish Life
How do I register my children for religious education classes?
We believe that the family is the heart of faith formation. Parents and guardians have the greatest influence on their children’s spiritual lives, and we are passionate about helping parishes partner with them in this sacred mission. A Family-Centered Faith Formation model not only invites families to participate in parish life but also empowers them to live their faith daily, transforming their homes into true “domestic churches.”
To learn more about faith formation programs, contact your parish. Most parishes offer family faith formation, middle school faith formation and youth ministry programs for high school students. The particular details for each program vary from parish to parish. Participation in life long faith formation is one component of parish life, designed to complement a personal prayer life, service and worship within the parish community.
For more information about family faith formation, see our Faith Formation & Parish Life ministry.
How do I receive a sacrament?
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at the parish. If you have a child that needs to be baptized, the parish will help you prepare and plan for this joyous sacrament. Click here to find a parish.
If you are an adult, who needs to be Baptized, visit the How Do I become Catholic page for more information.
Confirmation
By spring of 2028, the Archdiocese of Hartford will have transitioned youth confirmation to the 8th grade (or the Fall of 9th grade). Please contact your parish to discuss youth confirmation preparation.
If you are an adult looking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Archdiocese of Hartford hosts two (2) ceremonies a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Please contact your parish for more information on Confirmation Classes for Adults. If you are having trouble finding a parish, contact the Office of Faith Formation & Parish Life, who will be able to help you find an Adult Confirmation Class.
If you are looking for the Sacrament of Marriage, see the previous topic How do I prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage?
How do I become a Catholic?
Great question!
First of all, to ask the question, most likely you have already engaged in a process of soul searching, prayer and reflection. The Catholic Church joyfully welcomes people into its fold and prays for the gift of faith to be given to those who sincerely seek a relationship with Jesus in their lives.
Those seeking to become a member of the Catholic church are taking a most important step that will affect every aspect of their lives. In that light, the Church offers a process of preparation in the Catholic faith whereby the individual can come to know the teachings, rituals and beliefs of the Church gradually and with prayerful support and guidance.
This process for becoming a Catholic is called The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), which involves a series of sessions held in the local parish. Your first step is to contact your local parish and tell them you would like to know more about becoming Catholic and ask if they have OCIA sessions.
The length of time needed to prepare to enter the Church can depend on your knowledge of the faith and your baptismal status. During the process, the local parish community prays for the candidates as they pursue their spiritual journeys of faith.
The Office of Faith Formation & Parish Life can help you find a parish community.