Marriage Preparation

The marriage preparation process at Creighton University is for couples getting married at St. John’s Church or elsewhere who are busy students and professionals seeking a process that honors each couples’ unique needs and circumstances.   Start right after the proposal to have the most options!  Email Kathy Martin or call 402.280.2205 to begin the process. See below for more details.  

Why do marriage preparation at Creighton/St. John’s?

The marriage preparation process at Creighton/St. John’s is designed to meet the needs of busy students and professionals by honoring each couples unique needs and special issues while using a time tested process for connecting couples in a way that truly informs and enhances their marriage experience long after the wedding day.

Couples will be supported by a team to help you:

  • Gather the wedding documents needed for marriage in the Catholic Church. 
  • Complete the FOCCUS inventory and you will be matched with a marriage couple or Jesuit priest to help you discuss topics related to marriage.
  • Experience an Ignatian Marriage Preparation retreat led by married couples designed solely for Creighton and St. John’s couples.
Image
A bride and groom sitting in a pew and laughing during their wedding

How do we begin?

Call 402-280-2205 or email KathyMartin@creighton.edu to schedule an Introductory meeting in which the process of marriage preparation is explained and initial documents are completed. (1 hour).

Creighton’s marriage preparation program is available to:

  • Students
  • Alumni
  • Children of an alumni
  • Staff & faculty of Creighton University
  • Parishioners of St. John’s parish

Have you heard great things about the FOCCUS inventory and conversations at Creighton/St. John’s and want to benefit from this experience even though you are not getting married in the Catholic Church? We are happy to assist you! We will adapt the FOCCUS conversations for your needs. Every engaged couple can benefit from these pre-marriage conversations so give your relationship this gift!

Begin the process as soon as you are engaged or reserve the church! 

Beginning a year or more before your wedding is ideal.  You may do your introductory meeting up to two years before your wedding!  Six months is the minimum amount of time allowed for marriage preparation. 

Engaged couples at Creighton/St. John’s give their FOCCUS facilitators a stipend of $100 which is collected at the introductory meeting. The cost of the retreat varies according to the option selected by the couple. The FOCCUS inventory cost is $25 per couple.

The marriage preparation office is located in Campus Ministry in the lowest level of Swanson Hall. 

Park in the lots on 24th and Cass or 24th and Burt and walk west towards Creighton Hall. Once past Deglman Hall turn left towards Brandeis and Swanson Hall and look for the white “Campus Ministry” arrow pointing down to our door.

View the Campus Map

Image
We are here location photo for campus ministry

Information regarding St. John’s parish:
https://www.stjohns-creighton.org/

Information for weddings at St. John’s including recommendations for wedding music and liturgy:
https://www.stjohns-creighton.org/weddings

General information and tips for Catholic marriage including suggestions for planning a wedding:
https://www.foryourmarriage.org/marriage-prep-resources/ 

Information on hosting your wedding reception at Creighton:
https://www.creighton.edu/centralized-reservations/wedding-receptions-and-social-gatherings