The archdiocesan Office of Family Life presents different types of marriage preparation sessions available to engaged couples in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. These sessions have been designed to address the specific issues and needs of the couples who are preparing for the sacrament of matrimony.

Additionally, marriage preparation sessions "provide an opportunity for engaged couples to assess their readiness for marriage, and to assist them in understanding that marriage is a vocation, a covenant and a sacrament," explains Candy Metoyer, marriage preparation coordinator (English) for the Office of Family Life, and co-author --- with Family Life Office director Joan Vienna --- of "The Picture of Love," a book (Living the Good News, 2000) used in marriage preparation by dioceses across the U.S.

Marriage preparation sessions --- led by teams that include priests, deacons and married couples --- include:

Regular Marriage Preparation

These one-day or three- or four-evening sessions are for engaged couples who are being married for the first time. Engaged couples who attend these sessions have not been previously married to each other civilly, nor have they been previously married to another party (e.g., annulment, widowed). These sessions address such topics as the sacrament of matrimony, family of origin, communication and decision-making.

Upcoming classes being offered include:

---May 1, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Hilary Church, Pico Rivera, (562) 942-7300; 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Church, Van Nuys, (818) 782-7180.

---May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Finbar Church, Burbank, (818) 846-6251.

---May 8, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at San Roque Church, Santa Barbara, (805) 687-5215; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Westwood, (310) 474-1527 ext. 251.

---May 11, 18 and 25, 6-9 p.m. at St. Martha Church, Valinda, (626) 964-1190.

---May 22, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at All Souls Church, Alhambra, (626) 281-0466; 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Hawthorne, (310) 679-1139.

---May 29, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, Culver City, (310) 838-2477.

Convalidation Marriage Preparation

These sessions are for couples who have been previously married in a civil ceremony. They are now making a commitment in the sight of the Catholic community, entering into a covenanted relationship, not just with each other but also with God and God's People, the church.

These couples have been married anywhere from a few months to many years and some already have children. This type of preparation can also be beneficial for the couple who has lived together for an extended period of time. These sessions address such issues as married intimacy, parenting, finances, and their relationship with the church.

Upcoming classes being offered include:

---May 8, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, Los Angeles, (213) 637-7228.

Subsequent Marriage Preparation

These sessions are for couples who have been previously married. They fall into two categories:

---Those who have divorced, received an annulment and are now remarrying.

---Those who have been widowed and are now remarrying.

The day gives attention not only to the present relationship, but also to how the previously married party(ies) has(have) worked through the stages of grief or struggles of ending the former union(s) through death or divorce. It addresses such topics as bringing closure to the first marriage, blending families, finances and expectations.

Upcoming classes being offered include:

---May 22, 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Luke Church, Temple City, (626) 291-5900.

Engaged Encounter Weekends

This is a weekend experience presented by two married Catholic couples and a priest. It is designed to stimulate the engaged couples to reflect on self-knowledge, communication, sexuality, etc. The main thrust of the weekend is personal reflection and dialogue.

Spanish

The Office of Family Life offers marriage preparation programs in Spanish. Contact Graciela Villalobos, marriage preparation coordinator (Spanish), at (213) 637-7561.

For additional information on marriage preparation classes, call (213) 627-7228. The Office of Family Life suggests that people bring a pencil or pen and a small cushion for seating comfort. Drinks and light snacks are provided; children and infants are not allowed.