Sacrament Of Marriage
 

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH
MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAMS
The Diocese of Joliet requires that all couples fill out the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) Inventory.  FOCCUS was created to deal with the current issues and needs in marriage preparation.  It is designed primarily to be a facilitative instrument, raising questions and identifying concern areas for couples so they can think about them and discuss them.  FOCCUS explores topics such as communication, problem solving, finances, expectations, sexuality and children.  FOCCUS is filled out online.  Contact the Parish Office for instructions how to do so.

SPONSOR COUPLE PROGRAM
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS
Each couple may choose which of these two preparation experiences that they would like to participate in.   The Sponsor Couple Program takes place in the homes of parishioners of Immaculate Conception with the engaged couple. Results of the FOCCUS interview are woven into these sessions.  They are generally held over four nights at times best suited for the married and engaged couples.  

Engaged Encounter Weekends are sponsored by the Family Ministry Office of the Diocese of Joliet.  They provide an excellent vehicle of marriage preparation.  Please note that couples who attend engaged encounters will also fill out the FOCCUS and will meet with an Immaculate Conception parish couple to review the results.  To register, call 630-375-7072

SPONSOR COUPLE PROGRAM TOPICS
  1. EXPECTATION OF MARRIAGE - The purpose of this session is to discuss with the couple the importance of their family backgrounds and how it affects their relationship.
  2. COMMUNICATION - In this session, we discuss the importance of communication in all facets of their relationship but specifically how it aids in problem solving and resolving conflicts.
  3. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE - This session is devoted to the spiritual aspects of a relationship and the sacramental times we experience throughout marriage.  We hope to make the engaged couple aware of how God's grace is present in their relationship.
  4. GROWTH AND CHANGE IN MARRIAGE - As we grow older, change will occur physically, emotionally and spiritually.  We focus on keeping the relationship healthy and respecting the changes that evolve by encouraging the supporting one another.

CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER INFORMATION
Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend of work during which each couple is offered the time and opportunity to question, examine and deepen their relationship with each other and with God.  Couples are challenged to explore their relationship in a much deeper, more honest way than they have been before.  Topics covered include Self-awareness, human sexuality, communications, decision making, Natural Family Planning, vocation, sacrament, unity and more.  Personal reflection and communication are the main focus.

For reservations, call 630-375-7072 or go to the Engaged Encounter Website

CHOOSING YOUR MUSIC
Contact Lisa Grisolia at lisagrisolia@icelmhurst.org to make arrangements for your wedding music.