PS 586 

 

Professors: Harvath, Ramacciotti, Richard, Welch, Wojcicki, Morris.

 Office hours are by appointment.

  

Course Description:  A practical study of methods, materials, and skills necessary for effective preparation for marriage in the Church with reference to the fields of pastoral counseling, canon law, moral theology, dogmatic theology and liturgy.  The objectives of this course are: to prepare the student for effective canonical pre-nuptial investigation and evaluation of  a couple’s readiness for marriage; to prepare the student to effectively identify psychosocial concerns that affect a marriage; to prepare the student to respond to any catechetical needs regarding marriage, its moral meaning and sacramentality, and the celebration and meaning of the liturgical rite.  The methodology of the course will focus on synthesis and application of information from the various theological and pastoral disciplines through the use of case studies and simulated preparation of couples on representative topics.

                                                               

Course Materials: 

Marx, Helen and Edward Richard, ed.  Diocesan Marriage Preparation Materials, Vol. I, II, III.  (Reserve shelf)

“Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage,” Pontifical Council for the Family, 1996.

 Bishops’ Committee for Pastoral Research and Practices; National Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Faithful to Each Other Forever: A Catholic Handbook of Pastoral Help for Marriage Preparation. NCCB, 1989.

 (The Journal Familia et Vita, published by the Pontifical Council for the Family might have some helpful articles.  Be sure to check Origins, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, and other such publications.)