Before the Vows
A pastoral and practical tool that provides engaged couples with skills and insights.
ENROL NOW FOR
Before the Vows
Marriage is a sacred covenant, a lifelong journey that unites two souls in love, faith, and mutual commitment. In the Catholic tradition, this union goes beyond a legal contract—it is a sacrament, a visible sign of God's grace and presence in the world.
Before the Vows
Program Overview
Structure and Format
"Before the Vows" is typically offered in a hybrid format, either in person at the parish or diocese, with virtual content available to complete the required material. This virtual content includes [contents not covered in-person, such as online modules, video calls, or interactive exercises]. It can also be provided entirely online upon request. Trained marriage preparation leaders, including clergy, married couples, and counselors lead the program. The format is purposely interactive, combining teaching, guided discussion, prayer, and personal reflection.
"Before the Vows" is a comprehensive Catholic marriage preparation program designed to accompany couples as they prepare not only for their wedding day, but for a lifetime of shared growth, service, and holiness. It is a pastoral and practical tool that provides engaged couples with the skills and insights needed to live and thrive in the vocation of marriage. This premarital course is theologically aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church and psychologically verifiable.
Choose Your Preferred Learning Experience:
Other Courses
The journey toward marriage is one of the most profound and transformative that two individuals can undertake. "Becoming One Flesh" emerges as an exemplary premarital formation program, artfully combining the richness of Christian theology with the tangible realities of modern married life.
Becoming One Flesh is a verifiable premarital preparation program for engaged couples that helps them understand marriage as a vocation, evaluate their readiness, and deepen their resolve to celebrate it.
Love on Flames is more than a program; it is a continuous journey of connection, renewal, and deepened intimacy designed exclusively for married couples. Recognizing that every relationship is unique and constantly evolving, Love on Flames provides ongoing support to help partners rekindle passion, deepen their bond, and navigate the complexities of married life.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Module One
THE CORE PRESENTATIONS
1
The Essence of Marriage
2
The Art of Growing Together
3
The Soul and Spirituality of Marriage
Module Two
Hybrid Online Component
1
Dynamics of Self-Gift
2
Conflict Management & Communication in Marriage
3
Joy of Sex
Module Three
Spiritual Retreat
1
The Foundations for Solid Marriage
2
The Clay and the Potter
3
Love Ritual
Spiritual Retreat Resources
Before Saying "I Do"
In the journey toward marriage, couples often find themselves swept into a whirlwind of planning, anticipation, and excitement. Amidst choosing venues, dresses, and guest lists, the deeper spiritual significance of the union can sometimes be overshadowed. Yet, beneath the surface of every wedding lies a sacred promise, a covenant not just between two individuals, but also with the divine. “Before the Vows” offers a unique spiritual retreat specifically designed for engaged couples seeking to infuse their relationship with the breath of the Spirit—a time and space carved out to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the sacred dimensions of love.
Before the Vows
What is "Before the Vows"?
- "Before the Vows" is an official marriage preparation course designed for engaged couples within the Catholic Church; other faith denominations can also utilize it. The program offers education on the meaning and sacramentality of marriage, communication skills, and practical tools for building a lifelong marriage.
Who should participate in "Before the Vows"?
- Engaged couples planning a Christian wedding usually need to complete a marriage preparation course. "Before the Vows" is ideal for those seeking an experience rooted in Christian tradition, values, and teachings.
- Couples looking to strengthen their relationship foundation, no matter where they are in their faith journey, can benefit from the program.
challenges, and strengthen their bond before marriage. This approach creates a more holistic and proactive foundation, helping couples build a marriage that is not just sustainable, but truly fulfilling.
Is the program recognized by the Catholic Church?
- Yes, "Before the Vows" is a recognized and approved program for marriage preparation. Most dioceses and parishes accept the certificate of completion as meeting the required pre-marital formation.
What does the course cover?
- The curriculum includes topics such as:
- The Theology of Marriage: Understanding matrimony as a sacrament and vocation.
- Communication and Conflict Resolution: Building healthy dialogue and problem-solving skills.
- Family of Origin: Exploring how background influences relationship dynamics.
- Finances and Stewardship: Managing money together as a couple.
- Spirituality in Marriage: Inviting God into the relationship and family life.
- Natural Family Planning: Church teaching and practical guidance.
- Love Languages: Expressing and understanding emotional needs.
- Forgiveness and Healing: Navigating challenges and restoring unity.
My fiancé is in the military or abroad. Can this program be helpful for us?
This formational tool is built so that you and your fiance in the military or living abroad can complete it without changing your location.
How is "Before the Vows" structured?
- The program may be offered in-person, online, or as a hybrid.
- Some formats include group discussions, personal reflection, and a couple of exercises.
What are the requirements to complete the program?
Y
- Attendance at all sessions, active participation, and completion of any assignments or activities are generally required.
- Couples might need to finish the interactive learning as part of the requirements.
- Once all requirements are met, couples are awarded a certificate of completion.
Is there a cost for "Before the Vows"?
- Fees vary depending on location, format, and duration. Some parishes subsidize or cover the costs; others may require a modest fee to cover materials and facilitator expenses.
- Or you can take it online on demand, and the fee is on the sign-up page.
What is the certificate of completion, and why is it important?
- The certificate of completion is a formal document verifying that a couple has fulfilled the Church’s marriage preparation requirement.
Other Vital Opportunities
Couple Weekend Retreat: Love on Flames – Love on Flames is a practical weekend retreat for accompanying and equipping married couples to build resilience and flourish in the vocation of marriage. Every marriage will experience moments of struggle, selfishness, hurt, anger, resentment, etc, at some point or season. However, married couples could convert challenging moments into learning and reemerging into stronger couples.
To learn more about Love on Flames or for the upcoming retreat, check on our courses on this website or email us at info@luminaschooloflove.idevs.site.
Introducing The Speaker
Get to Know the Presenter
Rev. Dr. Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D, is an ordained Roman Catholic Priest for ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He is a passionate and charismatic priest who loves being a priest and providing pastoral accompaniments to those called to the vocation of marriage.
Fr. Kingsley holds a Licentiate degree in Sacred Theology of Marriage and Family from the Pontifical Institute of John Paull II for Studies on Marriage and Family at Vatican City, Rome. He also has a doctorate in Sacred Theology from Pontifex University, Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in Marriage and Family.
He is the Founder of Lumina School of Love, a Center for Marriage Formation and Pastoral Accompaniment of the Domestic Church. Lumina School of Love provides integrative and holistic formation for the vocation to marriage. Fr Kingsley is the author and facilitator of "Before the Vows," "Discovering Love with Clarity," "Love on Flames, etc., programs created with the framework of Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life, currently in implementation in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He also volunteers his expertise with the Office of Family Life, Office of Young Adults, and Campus Ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Fr Kingsley taught Theology of Family Life as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, at the Center of Faith and Culture.