Congratulations on your engagement!  We look forward to sharing our pre-marriage process with you and your fiancé as you prepare for this Holy Sacrament/

*At least one of you must be a registered member of the parish.  Please contact Fr. Gary Mayer at least six months in advance.  Below are the marriage preparation steps at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton:

• Initial Meeting with Fr. Gary: Fr. Gary will meet with you initially regarding your freedom to marry and then sets the wedding date with you as a couple. For more information, please contact Fr. Gary Mayer at 319-393-3778 or gmayer@seasp.org 

• Prepare/Enrich Inventory: At your initial meeting with Fr. Gary you will fill out a marriage inventory.  This isn't a test, rather a way for you both to grow in love and understanding of one another.  

• Next an email from the marriage preparation coordinator will be sent to you.

• Find a Mentor Couple:  
  • We have couples available from the parish that are interested in assisting you on your faith journey as well as your engagement and married life.  However, you may know a couple from the parish already.  The requirements for mentor couples are:
    • Married at least 5 years.
    • Attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton or nearby parish.
    • Has a marriage you both admire.
    • Active in the church.
    • This should be a couple who inspires you, challenges you and that you both feel comfortable working with throughout the process.
  • Please let Trish Lokmer know who you would like to ask to be your mentor couple, or if you need help finding a mentor couple.  Once you have a mentor couple an initial meeting will be set so that you can meet with Trish Lokmer and the mentor couple.  A detailed explanation of the remainder of your preparation will be discussed as well as the results of the inventory you took.
  • ​​​Engaged Couple Retreat:  Each couple is asked to register and attend a PRE-CANA EVENT through the Archdiocese of Dubuque prior to being married and while you are going through the marriage preparation materials with your mentor couple.  

• Fr. Gary will meet with you at least a month prior to the wedding to do the final liturgy planning.