A New Marriage Preparation Supplement Based on the Theology of the Body
God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage is a marriage preparation supplement that offers engaged couples a more complete understanding of God's glorious plan for marriage and human sexuality than perhaps any program available in the Church today. Based on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, this supplement is not a replacement to current diocesan or parish programs. It is intended to enhance a key component of marriage preparation: catechesis in the theology of marriage and the gift of human sexuality.God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage can be implemented as a one-day seminar, or over multiple evenings.
Live Training Weekends
To his diocesan priests: “I am pleased to introduce a new marriage preparation resource based on Pope John Paul II’s collection of writings known as the ‘Theology of the Body.’ The Theology of the Body offers the Church a new language that can reshape, strengthen and transform the Church’s approach to marriage preparation." » Read More— Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey
This class has renewed my faith in the Catholic Church. » Read More— Jennifer W.
As an Evangelical Christian, I was blown away... I am now considering taking RCIA. » Read More— Lisa R.
— Most Reverend Robert C. MorlinoIt is with great joy that I endorse your God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, marriage preparation program.
The Diocese of Madison has completed its first year of implementing the program. Through it, the beauty of marriage and family, and the true meaning of human sexuality are held up as a beacon of hope in the all-too-dark culture in which we live.
With skill, God’s plan for love and life are revealed through this program, according to the insights of Pope John Paul the Great’s Theology of the Body-perhaps being presented for first time to many of the engaged couples. The message is a “hard-sell” in today’s culture, but though this presentation, essential seeds are planted in a loving and invitational manner that will bear transforming fruit in years to come for families, for the Church and for the world.
This program is one of many signs of hope within the Church. And the God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage program, coupled with other marriage preparation opportunities at both parish and diocesan levels, address a great need for formational tools that are essential for building up the Catholic family of the future.
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Bishop of Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin
This program is the first that I have heard that offered candid and logically sound discussions about Catholic teaching on sex and marriage. I am truly appreciative. » Read More— Tom S.
If my fiancé and I had learned these teachings of the Church on sexuality sooner, we would never have become sexually active. » Read More— Mark M.
The pre-marriage classes have been exceptionally beneficial and have brought us closer together in love of each other, and in deeper union with the Catholic Church. » Read More— Rebecca W.
My fiancée and I have grown and deepened our love and commitment to Christ more from this class than in our whole relationship. » Read More— Steve S.
The program was wonderful. I plan to return to the Church because of it and I'm so excited. Thank you so much—this program has truly touched me. » Read More— Stephanie S.
This was the best presentation of Catholic teaching I have ever heard. » Read More— Melanie F.
We’re excited to announce the following God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage “Live” Weekend Trainings for dioceses and parishes. For each of these locations below, there are openings for participants from your diocese. Most times, you need not be from the diocese listed below to attend the training. "Open" next to the location means the training is open to those from other dioceses. "Closed" means it is for the specific diocese listed.
If you would like to get more information about these trainings or learn how you can host your own diocesan-based training for the God’s Plan’s program, please contact Naedal McMullen, 1-800-376-0520 ext. 263 or e-mail her at for more information.