Sacraments

We recognize that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality, a reality open to all the human senses but grasped in its God-given depths with the eyes of faith. When parents hug their children, for example, the visible reality we see is the hug. The invisible reality the hug conveys is love. We cannot "see" the love the hug expresses, though sometimes we can see its nurturing effect in the child. 

The visible reality we see in the Sacraments is their outward expression, the form they take, and the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality we cannot "see" is God's grace, his gracious initiative in redeeming us through the death and Resurrection of his Son. His initiative is called grace because it is the free and loving gift by which he offers people a share in his life, and shows us his favor and will for our salvation. Our response to the grace of God's initiative is itself a grace or gift from God by which we can imitate Christ in our daily lives. 


The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier. 

 -United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Baptism
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Confirmation
Marriage

Baptism

Resurrection Catholic Church & School always joyfully welcomes new members, young and old!
Baptism classes are currently being offered in English and Spanish, please call the office to pre-register. 

The celebration of Baptism will be:
English: Saturday 4 PM Mass
La celebración del Bautismo tendrá lugar:
Español: Domingo despés de la Misa de la 1 PM

Baptism is an external sign celebrating the entrance of a person into the Christian community as well as into a particular parish family. Baptism celebrates a new life of faith and initiates the person into a lifestyle of worship, religious education and service to the community.

El Bautismo es un signo externo que celebra la entrada de una persona en la comunidad Cristiana, así también a la familia de una parroquia en particular. El Bautismo celebra una nueva vida de fe e inicia a la persona en un estilo de vida de adoración, educación religiosa y el servicio a la comunidad. 

Baptism class is scheduled once a month, the 2nd Tuesday of each month English & Spanish at 6:30pm in the Campisi Banquet Hall (Eng) & Parish Hall (Sp) Parents and Godparents are required to attend a Baptism Class prior to the Baptism.   If godparents are from out of town, they need to provide us with a letter from their parish stating that they are in good standing to be a godparent. 

Requirements to be a Godparents as stated in Canon 874 are:

  •  Must be at least 16 years of age.

  •  Must be a Baptized Catholic who has completed the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

  •  May not be the parents of the child being baptized.

  •  If married, must be married in the Catholic Church, regularly attending Mass on Sunday and living their faith.

  •  The two godparents do not have to be married to one another.

  •  A baptized non‐catholic may serve as a witness along with a Catholic godparent.

  •  Non‐baptized persons may not serve as witnesses or godparents.

Requisitos para los padrinos de bautismos Canon 874 son: 

  • Los padrinos deben ser mayores de 16 años.

  • Los padrinos deben estar bautizados y haber recibido el sacramento de la Santa Comunión y Confirmación.

  • Los padres no pueden ser padrinos de los niños que se van a bautizar. 

  • Si los padrinos están casados deben estar casados por la Católica, estar asistiendo a la misa y viviendo la fe. 

  • Una persona bautizado pero no es católico puede ser testigo junto con el padrino católico.

  • Favor de traer copia del certificado de nacimiento del infante. 

  • Se require que los padres y padrinos asistan a la clase pre-bautismal antes de la celebración del Sacramento. 

*Normalmente estamos dedicando el dia jueves para cualquier pregunta o para completer la registración.  

Las clases se ofrecen el segundo martes de cada mes de 6:30pm a 8:00pm en inglés en el  Campisi Banquet Hall y en espanol en el Parish Hall.  

Family need pre-registration
Familias necesitan registrarse

Baptism is celebrated following as:
English: First Saturday of the month are following the 4 PM Mass
Español: Primer domingo de mes después de la Misa de 1 PM

Special dates and times can be scheduled for outstanding circumstances (military assignments, traveling grandparents or godparents). Contact the Parish Office 863-646-3556 ext 2132

Los Bautizos no son celebrados en tiempo de Cuaresma, excepto en caso de emergencia.  Fechas especiales  y horas  pueden ser programados en casos extraordinarios (servicio militares, viajes de abuelos y padrinos). Favor contactar a la Oficina de Formación en la Fe, necesidad en especial. Tel.(863) 646-3556 ext 2132

  • By Church law, a priest or Deacon can only celebrate the baptism of persons who are registered in his parish. For an infant or child, the family should be registered. For families from other parishes who wish to have the baptism take place here, a letter from their home parish is required. Parents need to be active church members at least 3 months prior to a Baptism being scheduled. Parents must receive religious instruction (“catechesis”) from the Church concerning the responsibilities of Catholic parenting. We offer this instruction at Resurrection and both parents and godparents are required to participate. Baptismal dates are scheduled only after the catechesis is completed. This helps to avoid postponements due to complications that prevent parents from being able to attend the scheduled catechesis.

  • Los padres deben recibir instrucción religiosa ("clases de bautismo") de la Iglesia respecto a las responsabilidades de la crianza católica.  Ofrecemos esta instrucción en la Resurrección y ambos padres y padrinos están obligados a participar. Las fechas de Bautismo sólo se asignan una vez completada la catequesis. Esto ayuda a evitar retrasos debido a complicaciones que impiden a los padres de la posibilidad de asistir a la catequesis programada.

  • By Church requirement, parents must give their assurance that the child will be given every benefit of Catholic upbringing. The responsibility of raising the child in the ways of the faith begins immediately with Baptism and extends all the way to adulthood. If parents are not able to make this commitment to the Church community, they should consider delaying the celebration of baptism until they are prepared to undertake these responsibilities. 

  • Por requisito de la Iglesia, se debe estar seguro que el infante recibirá todos los beneficios de la religión Católica.  La responsabilidad de criar al niño en los caminos de la fe comienza inmediatamente con el Bautismo y se extiende todo el camino hasta la edad adulta.  Si por lo menos uno de los padres o uno de los padrinos no son capaces de hacer de este compromiso con la comunidad de la Iglesia, deberían considerar retrasar la celebración del bautismo hasta que estén preparados para asumir estas responsabilidades. 

  • "I will sprinkle clean water upon you and cleanse you from all your impurities.  I will give you a new spirit within you." Ezekiel 36:25-26

    The Baptism of your child is truly something to celebrate!  Baptism preparation classes are offered in both English and Spanish.  It is necessary for parents and godparents to attend a baptism class.  The sessions are meant to help the parents and godparents prepare for and celebrate the baptism of their child in a joyful and meaningful way.

  • El bautismo de su hijo es realmente algo que hay que celebrar!  Es necesario que los padres y padrinos asistan a la clase de preparación para el Bautismo.  Las sesiones están destinadas a ayudar a los padres y padrinos a preparar y celebrar el bautismo de su hijo/a de una manera alegre y significativa.

  • Godparents are chosen by the birth parents to assist them in their Christian parenting. They should, therefore, be models of Christian faith and examples of prayer, worship and Christian practice. The Church does not require two godparents. When there are two, however, there can be only one godmother and one godfather. At least one of the godparents needs to be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age and Confirmed in the Catholic Church. The other must, however, be of the Christian faith and be active in that faith.

  • Los padrinos son escogidos por los padres para ayudarles en la crianza cristiana de los hijos. Deben, por lo tanto, ser modelos de la fe cristiana y ejemplo de vida de oración, culto y la práctica cristiana. La Iglesia no requiere dos padrinos. Cuando hay dos, sin embargo, sólo puede haber una madrina y un padrino. Es necesario que uno sea un católico practicante, de por lo menos 16 años de edad y que haya sido confirmado. El otro debe, sin embargo, ser de la fe cristiana y ser activo en esa fe.

  • The Sacrament of Baptism is administered once a month following the 4pm Saturday Mass or 5pm Sunday Mass, see the schedule below.  Baptisms in Spanish are celebrated following the 12:30pm Mass in Church, the schedule is below. Baptism may also be scheduled at different times to accommodate travel plans of out of town family members. Baptisms are not scheduled from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, the Lenten Season except in case of emergency (contact either the Faith Formation Office or one of the priests).

  • El Sacramento del Bautismo se administra una vez al mes después de la Misa del sábado a las 4:00 PM  o después de la Misa dominical de 5:00 PM en inglés y los domingos después de la Misa de 12:30 pm en español.  El bautismo también se puede programar en diferentes momentos para dar cabida a los planes de viaje de los miembros de la familia que están fuera de la ciudad.  No se programan Bautizos desde el miércoles de Ceniza hasta el sábado Santo, que es el tiempo de Cuaresma, excepto en caso de emergencia (contacte a la Oficina de Formación en la Fe o uno de los sacerdotes).

  • Specific arrangements are made in advance through the Religious Education Office. Traditionally adults are brought into the Church through the process known as R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

  • Se realizan arreglos específicos por adelantado a través de la Oficina de Formación en la Fe. Las clases de catequesis para los niños mayores de siete años son los Lunes a las 6:15 - 7:45 PM. Tradicionalmente los adultos se preparan para entrar en la Iglesia a través del proceso conocido como RICA (Rito de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos). Las clases de R.C.I.A. se imparten en inglés los miercoles por la noche 6:30 – 8 PM y en español los domingos de 10:15 AM - 12 PM. Es altamente recomendable que se continúe asistiendo a clases de catequesis luego de recibido el Sacramento del Bautismo y para profundizar en la fe.

F.A.Q.

For more information contact the Faith Formation Office.

Para obtener más información comuníquese con la Oficina de Formación en la Fe.

863-646-3556 ext 2132

Reconciliation

We ask God’s forgiveness for our sins through the sacrament of Reconciliation sometimes called Penance or Confession.

Reconciliation is always available for anyone needing to confess sins, large or small.

Everyone should make frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

How should I prepare myself for Reconciliation?

  1. Wait at the chairs outside of the confessional until the priest is available. This is a good time to pray and do an Examination of Conscience.

  2. Walk into the confessional and sit down across from the priest or kneel at the kneeler.

  3. Pray the sign of the cross.

  4. Tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession. (“Bless me father for I have sinned, it has been _____ days/weeks/months/years since I have been to confession.”)

  5. Name your sins. Many people finish their confession with something like, “for these and all past sins, I am truly sorry.”

  6. The priest may offer some type of counsel, then gives you some penance to do.

  7. The priest asks you to say an Act of Contrition
    My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

  8. The priest absolves you of your sins. You will cross yourself as he mentions the Blessed Trinity.

  9. The priest will say something like, “Your sins have been forgiven, now go in peace.”

  10. You can thank the priest for his time and exit the confessional.

Examination of Conscience

For Children

  • Have I prayed every day?
    Have I prayed my morning prayers and night prayers?
    Have I prayed with my parents and family?
    Have I been moody and rebellious about praying and going to church on Sunday?
    Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I have been tempted to sin?
    Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me do what is right?

  • Have I been obedient and respectful to my parents?
    Have I lied or been deceitful to them or to others?
    Have I been arrogant, stubborn or rebellious?
    Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?
    Have I pouted and been moody?
    Have I been selfish toward my parents, brothers, and sisters,
    teachers, or my friends and schoolmates?
    Have I gotten angry at them? Have I hit anyone?
    Have I held grudges or not forgiven others?
    Have I treated other children with respect or have I made fun of them and called them names?
    Have I used bad language?
    Have I stolen anything? Have I returned it?
    Have I performed my responsibilities, such as homework and household chores?
    Have I been helpful and affectionate toward my family?
    Have I been kind and generous with my friends?

Copyright, Fr. Thomas Weinandy. This resource may be reproduced and distributed free of charge by permission of the author.

  • Do I believe in God? Do I believe in a personal God?

    Do I believe in a historical God who works with us today? Do I ever simply "reflect:" or- "think" about God?

    Do I think about God's purpose in creating the universe? In creating me?

    Do I attempt to know more about God's revelation?

    Do I believe that God's revelation is significant for me and the world? Am I ashamed to admit to "worldly people" that I am a man/woman of God.

    Do I worship regularly? Do I sing and respond to the prayers of the Mass? Am I neighborly and courteous, unrushed and politely behaved?

    Is Holy Eucharist a true encounter with Jesus, or simply a weekly ritual snack? Do I give my children an enthusiastic example about worship?

    Is my spiritual life reserved to one hour on Sunday?

    Do I take advantage of other services (daily Mass, home Mass, prayer group, devotions, etc.)?

    Do I take time each day to pray? Do I invite my family and co-workers to pray with me? Am I embarrassed to pray with others?

  • Do I work as hard at my marriage as I do with my business?

    Is my spouse my best friend, or am I living out the ghost of a past relationship?

    Am I courageous enough to admit when I (or we) might need counseling to save or improve our marriage?

     

    Am I a good person to live with Am I courteous, helpful, gentle, sincere, understand? Do I remember birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, romantic times, etc.?

     

    Am I a good parent? Do I understand that discipline is a genuine form of love? Am I guilty of buying my children's affections, or substituting gifts for my own presence?

    Do I listen to my children, take them seriously? Do I follow their progress closely in school, meet with teachers, encouraging them to be ready to move successfully out of the nest?

     

    Am I a good worker? Do I give my best to the job?

    Do I believe that quality enhances my personal worth before God, even if no one else sees what I do?

    Am I honest? Do I award myself little "perks" against company policy?

     

    If I am supervisory, do I strive to create an atmosphere that is both productive and constructive? Can I be frank and helpful to those under me?

    Am I constantly working my own professional advancement and that of my employees?

    Am I keeping abreast in my field? Do I pay my taxes? Do I provide sufficient benefits for my workers? Am I adequately insured and protected in the areas of health, life insurance, old age and home ownership?

     

    Am I solicitous for my parents and grandparents? Do I remember all of my elderly relatives?

    Conversely, do I butt out of the affairs of my married children and grandchildren unless I am specifically consulted?

     

    Am I concerned about the quality of life in my community? Do I observe local laws? (zoning, air quality, etc.)

    Am I concerned and outspoken about my local schools, police, human services, etc.?

    Do I attempt to understand the insidiousness of racial problems? Do I too easily excuse myself from concern for the “truly needy?”

    Am I concerned about universal problems like arms control, pollution, warfare, unemployment, etc.? Am reading and constantly learning about these subjects?

  • Do I live a well-ordered, healthy life? Do I eat well nutritionally, rest and exercise? Do I periodically see my physician?

    Do I take vacations, broaden my experience and enrich my leisure through the arts, etc.?

    Am I addicted to mindless forms of entertainment, like hours and hours of daily TV?

    Are the uses of tobacco alcohol, drugs, food, etc. out of proportion with the rest of my life?

    Am I careful about myself that I would reach out for help if I needed it?

    Do I see my life as my greatest gift, and try to live each day to the fullest?

For Adults

Holy Eucharist is celebrated at Mass as we receive Jesus in the consecrated bread and the Precious Blood. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are specially trained to assist in distributing Communion during Mass and to bring Eucharist to the sick and homebound.

Eucharist

Do this in memory of me

  • Eucharist, the Bread of Life, is that which sustains us on our journey of faith. The Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper; Eucharist (Communion) takes place in Church at Mass.

  • Any Baptized Catholic who understands, is prepared (catechesis) and not in the state of Mortal Sin can receive Communion at Mass or as visited by Ministers to the Sick.

  • Contact the Faith Formation Office at 863-646-3556 ext. 2132 to see what your options are to become prepared to receive Communion.

  • Parishes shall have a catechesis for each of the sacraments which prepare people to fully and actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church and to celebrate the reality of God’s abiding presence at special moments throughout their lives. Catechesis for every sacrament must be directed to the entire faith community while also focusing on those preparing to celebrate the sacrament. The Bishop, who holds the primary position of authority, has the responsibility over programs of catechesis. He issues specific guidelines regarding the sacraments, which must be followed through the Office of Liturgy and Worship.

  • Catechesis for Eucharist should stress its intimate relationship to Baptism and Confirmation and that in Eucharist; Catholic Christians are fully joined to the Body of Christ. Catechesis should stress that the Eucharist, this Holy Sacrifice, is both a memorial of the Lord’s passion, death and Resurrection and a celebration of it here and now. Eucharist should transform us in the ongoing process of conversion towards greater love of God and neighbor.  Catechesis should consider the historical development of this sacraments, the meaning of the bread and wine and its reality as the Lord’s Body and Blood. Catechesis should instruct people regarding the obligations of this sacrament. Eucharist catechesis should give instruction about meaning, ritual, symbols and parts of the Mass.

    As for children, catechesis seeks to strengthen their awareness of the Father’s love, and the idea of Real Presence. Parents, Pastors and catechists are responsible for determining when children are ready to receive First Communion. Parents should be involved in preparing their child for First Communion. Catechesis for First Communion is separate from catechesis for Reconciliation.

F.A.Q.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the completion of initiation into the Catholic Church. Baptism allows us to share in the divine nature of life. Confirmation strengthens that nature, and Eucharist sustains us with the food of eternal life!

Basic requirements for Confirmation:

  1. Baptism – The candidate must already have been validly baptized.  

  2. Age of reception – The sacrament is ordinarily conferred between the age of discretion (i.e., when one is capable of moral reasoning) and about sixteen years of age, unless the diocesan bishop determines otherwise.  

  3. Proper preparation / instruction – The candidate should be suitably instructed in the faith, understand the meaning of Confirmation, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness of Christ.  

  4. State of grace – At the time of being confirmed, the candidate should be in a state of grace (i.e., no unconfessed mortal sin) and ordinarily have recently received the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation.  

  5. Intention to receive the sacrament – The person must make a free and deliberate intention (“I intend to receive Confirmation”) and be disposed to live the Christian life in fidelity to the faith.  

  6. Sponsor (or confirmation sponsor) – A qualified sponsor (often a practicing Catholic who has been confirmed themselves) is required to help guide and support the candidate in Christian life.  

  7. Renewal of baptismal promises / assumption of Christian witness – Because Confirmation strengthens baptismal grace, the candidate must be ready to renew their baptismal commitments and actively live out the Christian mission and witness.  

For more information contact the Faith Formation Office.

Para obtener más información comuníquese con la Oficina de Formación en la Fe.

863-646-3556 ext 2132

Marriage

The Catholic Church views marriage as a sacred covenant, a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, reflecting Christ’s love for His Church. Marriage is not just a contract but a sacrament, imparting grace to the couple and helping them grow in holiness.

We are so happy that you are planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. The special graces of this sacrament are to help both of you respond to your baptismal call to holiness as you start your own family together. We pray that you are using the time of your engagement not only to plan your wedding, but to plan your marriage. Our parish and our diocese help provide you with programs to help you do just that. Aside from participating in these programs, we urge you to attend Sunday Mass together and to develop the habit of praying together. It is only in being total gifts of ourselves that we can be truly happy.

It could take from 4 to 6 months to prepare for your wedding, so please plan accordingly. 
Contact the Parish Office (863-646-3556).  

  • Can.  1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.

    §2. For this reason, a valid matrimonial contract cannot exist between the baptized without it being by that fact a sacrament.

  • Roman Catholics are required to be married 1, in church and, 2, by a Priest or Deacon.

    Can.  1063 Pastors of souls are obliged to take care that their ecclesiastical community offers the Christian faithful the assistance by which the matrimonial state is preserved in a Christian spirit and advances in perfection. This assistance must be offered especially by:

    1. preaching, catechesis adapted to minors, youth, and adults, and even the use of instruments of social communication, by which the Christian faithful are instructed about the meaning of Christian marriage and about the function of Christian spouses and parents;

    2. personal preparation to enter marriage, which disposes the spouses to the holiness and duties of their new state;

    3. a fruitful liturgical celebration of marriage which is to show that the spouses signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love between Christ and the Church;

    4. help offered to those who are married, so that faithfully preserving and protecting the conjugal covenant, they daily come to lead holier and fuller lives in their family.

  • It is the policy of the Church of the Resurrection and the surrounding Catholic churches that anyone seeking the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, Confirmation and Matrimony must be a parish member of our church community at least 3 months prior to being able to receive the sacrament.

  • To insure understanding of all that their gift involves, the Diocese of Orlando requires at least 4 months preparation time. Youths under 19 years require special counseling as part of their preparation. Arrangements must be made 6 months in advance.

  • 1.Preliminary Interview: The first step is meeting with the parish priest call 863-646-3556 to set up an appointment to begin the planning and preparation for married life. This should take place at least 4 MONTHS prior to the wedding, and BEFORE any arrangements are made with regard to invitations, reception hall, etc. This will avoid unnecessary duplication of effort or misunderstanding later. During this interview, you will be provided with an explanation of Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation.

    2.Setting the Date: The final date for the wedding will not be set until the entire assessment process has been completed and the decision to proceed has been made by the priest and the couple.

    3.Assessment – Determining Readiness: The parish has a variety of methods to assist in determining the maturity of the couple and their readiness for marriage. A FOCCUS inventory (cost $15/couple an online inventory) will be administered and diocesan forms will be completed. In addition, there may be consultation with parents or other relatives as well as pre marriage counseling and evaluations. These steps may result in a decision to delay the marriage. (See # 6)

    4.Instruction: After the readiness for marriage has been determined, the couple will finalize the wedding date and begin their instruction process. We will outline the sacramental preparation required (PreCana Weekend Retreat, Pre Cana, Remarriage, Convalidation, interviews with the priest, etc.).

    5.Wedding Liturgy: The couple will plan their wedding liturgy with the priest. They will participate in the decisions regarding the ceremony, scripture, music, vows, etc.

    6.Delaying the Marriage: A delay is designed to provide time to overcome the circumstances which made the delay advisable. Some of the reasons for delaying the marriage are: ◦ The non-practice of the faith by the Catholic party, especially when there is no intention of returning to the practice of the faith.

    • A substantial lack of appreciation for the spiritual and sacramental aspects of marriage.
      A lack of readiness by reason of immaturity, age or undue social pressure.
      The likelihood of a separation of the couple for an extended period after the marriage (e.g., military service, continued education, etc.).
      The unwillingness of the couple to participate in any of the steps of marriage preparation that apply to them as well as missing forms including but not limited to Baptism information and marriage license.
      Appeal: There is an appeal process for couples who disagree with a decision to delay their marriage. If the couple wishes to appeal, they should submit their petition in writing to the Bishop of Orlando.

    These Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation apply to all Catholics domiciled in the Diocese of Orlando even if their wedding will be celebrated in another diocese.  For more information check out the Diocese of Orlando: Office of Evangelization for more information at http://www.orlandodiocese.org/ministries-offices/marriage-preparation.

  • Music selected for a wedding should have a religious tone. Check with the Director of Music for assistance.

  • The bride may use the Bride’s Room, located at the left of the Narthex. Only water is permitted in this room or anywhere in the sanctuary building.

  • Our church already has a carpet aisle. Adding an additional runner can create a hazard so is not permitted. During the ceremony, the Church will provide the candles that are used for the liturgy.  No objects are to be thrown before or following the ceremony inside or outside the church property.

  • The fee for the Church is a donation for the upkeep of the facilities. It is also nice to show the altar servers your appreciation, $10.00 – $25.00 each is the usual gift.
    -For the musicians’ fee, please contact the Director of Music.
    -There is no set gift for the Priest. It is left to the judgment of the couple to make that decision.

  • This is a weekend program that covers topics such as the Theology of Marriage, Communication, Finance, Parenting and Natural Family Planning. In addition, couples learn a reflection and dialogue process as well as have an opportunity to practice these skills. The weekend provides time to interact with other couples who share the same values. These retreats are held at the San Pedro Spiritual Center in Winter Park, FL. They begin on Fridays at 6:30 PM and end on Sundays at 1:00 PM. To register go to http://www.orlandodiocese.org/ministries-offices/marriage-preparation

  • Pre-Cana retreats are a marriage preparation program designed for engaged or newly-married couples to help them have strong, successful marriages. By spending a day focusing on their relationship, couples learn how to communicate better, resolve differences, and discuss important issues like finances, sexuality and children.
    The Church of the Resurrection Pre-Cana team sponsors one-day Pre-Cana retreats on Saturdays, four time per year as part of the Diocese of Orlando Marriage Preparation Program. Retreats start at 9 am (Registration begins at 8:30 am) and concludes at 5 pm, following Mass. All couples seeking marriage or convalidation within the Diocese of Orlando are welcome to attend. Retreat work materials, books, continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Pre-registration is required (cost $90/couple) and is only online at  http://www.orlandodiocese.org/ministries-offices/marriage-preparation

  • In the event that one or both of the parties are not active in the practice of their faith, additional instructional sessions will be provided to help them become active again as practicing Catholics.

  • When either party requesting a marriage has not yet reached his/her 19th birthday, the Church will show a special concern for the proposed marriage and will require additional steps in the preparation process. Both sets of parents will be interviewed by the priest. The couple will be referred to Catholic Charities for evaluation by a professional counselor. A review of the completed file by the tribunal will be necessary to proceed.

  • If a pregnancy exists, the Church will express care for both the couple and the expected child. Every effort will be made to ensure that each couple is truly ready for marriage. Pregnancy of itself is not considered reason enough to omit the usual and normal preparation process. As with youthful marriages, the couple will be referred to Catholic Charities for professional evaluation and a review of the completed file by the tribunal is needed to proceed.

  • If the couple has entered marriage outside the laws of the Church, a validation of the marriage is permitted after the couple has completed the assessment process of these Pastoral Guidelines.

F.A.Q.