The Sacrament of Matrimony
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Holy Matrimony is a sacrament that establishes a covenant between husband and wife. It is a union whereby the two become one in a lifelong partnership together, with Christ at its center. Unlike the other sacraments, Holy Matrimony is a shared journey that allows you to experience your faith together as a couple.
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To assist you in your preparation, our parish provides you with both clerical and lay support. Your experience will include guidance and support from one of our parish priests and a mentor couple 
who will help prepare you for your sacramental celebration and equip you with the skills needed to be successful as a couple as well as a family. Our Marriage Ministry and our community will be praying for you and will be ready to offer support in your many years of marriage to come!
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Preparation Steps:
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Contacting the parish office at 973-538-1358, ext. 100 is the first step to make arrangements to meet with one of our priests. Following that gathering, a mentor couple will provide guidance and accompany you as you complete the journey (below) that will bring you to the celebration of your special day.
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1. The FOCCUS Inventory
This online assessment is used widely throughout the Catholic Church. It is helpful in determining the positive skills and connection that exists between a couple, and any areas for possible improvement.
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2. Witness to Love
This program aids couples in developing skills for a virtues-based marriage. It also fosters community involvement during the process. During your journey, you will have the benefit of being guided in marriage preparation and introduced to the parish as well as its various ministries. WTL prepares you for marriage and provides you with a community for your future.
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3. God's Plan for Marriage
This is a one-day workshop offered through the Paterson Diocese t St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, NJ. It is a series of talks to help you better understand human sexuality as it relates to marriage and God’s desires for you.
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While most couples will complete their marriage preparation at the parish, we recognize that some will be “returning home” from other locations for their wedding nuptials only. In these situations, your priest will discuss alternate plans for preparation.
Know that the entire Notre Dame family is here to support you before AND after your wedding!
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