Couples who wish to get married in Christ Our Light Church must attend mandatory pre-marital classes. Contact Jennifer Nguyen, Preparation of Marriage Program Coordinator at least one year before the proposed wedding date. Our Parish contact number is 936-825-3920. Or visit Parish office at 510 Manley Street, Navasota, Tx. 77868.

In November 2009 the U.S. Catholic Bishops approved a pastoral letter called “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” The letter presents the essential points of Catholic teaching on marriage as a natural gift, as a sacrament, and as a public commitment between a man and a woman. It also discusses several contemporary challenges to marriage and how the Church addresses those challenges. 

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. 
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." 
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. A covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults 

The study of Natural Family Planning (NFP) is required as part of the marriage preparation process provided by the Family Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Couples are invited to attend an introductory class to learn more about NFP and the different methods and models available. The following classes are offered through the Family Life Ministry.
https://archgh.cventevents.com/event/efde6c80-12ab-4330-8824-16254f109883/summary

Increase Awareness

The results of an assessment provide insights to your relationship. Research has shown the act of taking the Prepare/Enrich assessment improves relationship quality and brings increased awareness across multiple aspects of the relationship.

Assesses Your Relationship

Prepare/Enrich covers various areas within the relationship including communication, conflict resolution, finances, and spiritual beliefs. In addition, the assessment will explore your personality, family of origin, and relationship dynamics. Over 30 customized categories, such as previous marriage and expecting a child, ensure your experience with your results will feel accurate and relevant to your relationship.

Reduces Your Risk for Divorce

Research has shown that taking the Prepare/Enrich assessment prior to marriage reduces your risk for divorce by 30%.

Encourages Discussion

Prepare/Enrich will help you celebrate your strengths as a couple and use them to gain momentum in the growth areas of your relationship. The assessment primes you to have meaningful conversations as you continue to grow as a couple.

Enhances Your Relationship Skills

Prepare/Enrich provides skill-building exercises to help you strengthen your relationship. Developing skills such as assertive communication and active listening will allow you to support growth in all areas of your relationship.

IS THIS A TEST?

No, we promise it is not a test. It’s an assessment of your relationship across several categories. Review below what the assessment is, and is not, so you have a deeper understanding of what it will do for your relationship.

As part of the Preparation of Marriage program, engaged couples will be taught materials from TOBET.  It topics engage couples to develop and deepen their relationship using the practical examination of the body through the lens of St. John Paul's Theology of the Body.  

• Communication and Safe Dialogue
• Family of Origin
• Conflict Resolution
• Finances
• Family Planning

Couples develop familiarity with TOB themes and deepen their understanding of the “whys behind the whats” of the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and sexuality. Some common TOB themes include:

• The “Spousal” Meaning of the Human Body
• Masculinity & Femininity: Archetypes, Not Stereotypes
• The Sacramental Vision of Marriage
• Marital Love as a Person-to-Person Encounter