UNITAS Preparing For Sacramental Marriage

 

... from the "Leader's Guide" for UNITAS:

 

"Pope John Paul /I gives us a direction for outstanding marriage preparation when he states that it should be 'a journey of faith similar to the catechumenate.' We believe that sacramental formation for marriage can best be accomplished by using the RCIA as a model... Just as the RICA introduces people to an experience of Catholic Christian community, UNITAS introduces couples to and helps them experience sacramental marriage in the context of a vibrant local church community. "

 

UNITAS: Faith Formation                                  RCIA Catechumenate

 

"Catechumenate" experience is provided during the FAITH FORMATION process, where engaged couples experience the Church in a number of ways. They:

 

LEARN about sacramental married life through Scripture and Church tradition.

 

LEARN to build skills for married life by using the best tools of contemporary behavioral science.

 

EXPERIENCE marriage through the witness of marriage formation leaders and other members of the parish community. Married couples serve as leaders and mentors for the engaged, and the entire parish Community supports the engaged couples at liturgy and through prayer.

 

CELEBRATE the Catholic faith through the richness of the liturgy in their local parish communities.

 

Advantages of UNITAS

 

+ Emphasizes the spiritual values of Catholic, Christian Sacramental Marriage.

 

+ Provides a Catholic context for couples who may not be acquainted with their own tradition, or who are entering interchurch or interfaith marriages.

 

+ Encourages couples to become involved in the life of their local Church.

 

+ Through the rituals of UNITAS, couples are presented to the community as vital members who serve as witnesses of Christ's love for us.

 

+ Gives the parish community the opportunity to welcome the engaged couple into their midst.

 

+ Provides a process for further in‑depth catechesis, where necessary and advisable.

 

+ Provides a "natural" follow‑up process for newly married enrichment.

 

+ Expands on the information offered by most marriage preparation programs‑ by providing additional knowledge and strategies crucial for marital success in today's complex society.