Stage 4: Engagement Journey

This stage focuses on the period when couples who have been in stable relationships discern and commit to marriage and become engaged. Important points for relationship development and understanding include:

• greater focus on more serious, emotional and physical intimacy
• stable, intimate relationships thrive
• increased regard for love, fidelity and lifelong commitment, as critical foundations for successful relationships

‘Engagement is a path of life that has to ripen like fruit; it is a way of maturing in love, until the moment it becomes marriage.’ Pope Francis, Pontificium Consilium pro Familia, 2015

Catholics believe that God, the source of all love, in providence brings people together, and blesses them as a couple in abundant ways. As couples become engaged, and begin to prepare for the sacrament of marriage, the faith community is invited and encouraged to pray for them God’s blessing, and grant that they are strengthened in their respect for one another, to cherish each other with a deep, faith-filled and generative love.

Blessings for couples preparing for marriage

These blessings are different in form and design, allowing couples, pastors and communities to choose one that best suits the couple and the context of each community. Click on the image to download the blessing of your choice.

Prayers for couples preparing for marriage

These corresponding prayers can be given to the couples to take with them and pray together during their prayer time, as they journey toward their wedding day and life together. Click on the image to download the prayer of your choice.

^{An initiative of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Joy of Love is facilitated by CatholicCare Sydney. To learn more about their work and the people they help, visit catholiccare.org}