Marriage Prep

On behalf of Renew the 'I do’ Foundation, congratulations on your engagement!
You can count on our prayers and support for a long, happy and joy-filled marriage!

Our Joy-Filled Marriage preparation program will provide you with the best tools and training techniques, so that you both can experience a truly thriving marriage! Through a balance of theology, psychology and stories from our dynamic speaker team, we emphasize the importance of fully understanding the sacrament of marriage and preparing for the many years that follow your wedding day. Led by a passionate team of speaker couples, you’ll be guided to discern your call to marriage, learn what “I do” truly means, practice praying together and working on key marriage skills.

It brings me great joy to be a part of your marriage journey!

Alive in Christ,
Fr. Jay Donahue

Register for 5 Step Prep

Thank You to Henne Jewelers, official partner of Marriage Preparation programs.

Because Henne cares about thriving marriage, all couples completing one of our pre-marriage programs may take their completion certificate
to Henne Jewelers Shadyside location for
$100 off wedding bands.

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"I came into the weekend probably more as a 'cultural Catholic' but I left wanting to be a 'real' Catholic."

"I fell in love with God more, and my fiancé all over again."

"This weekend surpassed our expectations! The speakers were so well spoken and amazing, you guys should go on a tour, take this on the road!”

"Thank you for your authenticity, not just sharing the positive aspects of marriage but the hard but real aspects of marriage."

“The vows presentation made me tear up and taught me how to better love God and love best as a husband.“

"We were so very moved by practicing our vows together in first session."

What Couples are Saying

Quotes from our April 2021 Joy-Filled Marriage Prep Weekend - Lawrenceville

Joy-Filled Marriage Preparation Courses

Renew the 'I do's Joy-Filled Marriage Preparation courses are the foundation of this initiative and are now being offered in three ways:

In-person weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Private ONE on ONE sessions (via zoom or in person)
Annual 5-week series (Thursday Evenings)

Upcoming Weekends

Nov '22 Joy-Filled Marriage Prep Weekend

In person

November 11th-13th, 2022

St. Mary of the Assumption, Glenshaw

Jan '23 Joy-Filled Marriage Prep Weekend

In person
January 27-29 2023

Saints John and Paul, Franklin Park

Apr '23 Joy-Filled Marriage Prep Weekend

In person
April 28-30, 2023

St. Benedict the Abbot, McMurray

Alternative Options

One-on-One Joy-Filled Marriage Prep

In this one on one version; you will be guided by a trained facilitator to walk through this lively, insightful, and resourceful marriage preparation experience with your future spouse.

Annual 5-week Series (Thursday Evenings)

Join us for weekly group sessions of interactive and educational marriage preparation.

Check back soon for dates of upcoming sessions.

Our programs meet the canonical requirements to be married in the Catholic Church and is founded on the Ascension Press curriculum. If you have any questions about the Joy-Filled Weekends you can contact our
Program Director, Ashley Dillon at ashley@renewtheido.org.

5 Step Prep

"5 Step Prep" is an additional marriage preparation experience personalized just for the couple. Each couple is paired with one of our trained instructors to walk with them through each of the five meaningful steps.

This program alone does not meet the canonical requirement, rather it is done as a beautiful supplement to the Joy-Filled Marriage Preparation weekend.

If you have any questions about The 5 Step Prep, contact our Director of Family Life, Dolores Shipe at dolores@renewtheido.org.