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At the heart of our communities, we celebrate the beauty of marriage and family life, providing support, resources, and exciting opportunities for growth. The Diocese of Green Bay believes that vibrant families and meaningful relationships are crucial for a thriving community.
"The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church."
- Pope Francis
We're dedicated to guiding couples and families on their journeys, offering programs that foster connection, understanding, and deeper faith. Whether you're preparing for marriage, seeking advice, or looking to strengthen your family ties, we've got you covered! Explore what your local parish has to offer, discovering programs and events designed just for you. Ready to jump in? Find a parish below.
Enjoy this podcast as we hear a vocation story to the Married Life, along with beautiful insights on dating and discerning the call to marriage.
Welcome, friends.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey toward marriage. We hope the resources on this page help you as you prepare for a lifetime together. If you need any assistance along the way, donʼt hesitate to reach out. Weʼre here to support you now and in your marriage ahead. God bless you as you discover and follow His plan for your future.
As soon as you're engaged, youʼll need to:
Select an option below for dates and registration links. If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Re at (920) 272-8283.
View the (English) Marriage Preparation Class Schedule
Haga clic aquí para ver el Horario de Clases de Preparación Matrimonial (Hispano)
There are two online marriage preparation courses that we recommend. Please select an option below to learn more about the class and to register.
“Theology of the Bodyˮ through Catholic Marriage Prep
CatholicMarriagePrep.com is based on Saint John Paul IIʼs Theology of the Body and is the only online pre-Cana program offering personalized one-on-one mentoring by trained married couples. These mentors guide couples throughout the entire process. CatholicMarriagePrep.com encourages couples to deepen their relationships with each other and with Christ. A key objective of their marriage preparation is to foster meaningful discussions between the future bride and groom, helping them build a foundation for a strong, healthy, holy, and Christ-centered marriage. The program is available in English, Spanish, and French.
“Living our Faith in Loveˮ through The Marriage Group
The Marriage Group online Catholic marriage preparation program (pre-Cana) includes newly produced videos featuring a great variety of relatable individuals and couples, filmed on modern, contemporary sets. The presenters encourage couples to pause the videos throughout, taking some time for meaningful discussions about their relationship and upcoming married life.
FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study) is a parish ministry preparing engaged couples for marriage. FOCCUS Facilitator Training is offered to married couples seeking to guide engaged couples through this ministry.
(If you are an engaged couple looking to do the FOCCUS inventory for your marriage preparation, please contact your parish.)
A collection of information and resources from the Wisconsin Catholic Bishops to help couples prepare for lifelong successful marriages that bring them happiness and joy, by living their commitment to each other, to God and to the Christian community.
Within the Diocese, we view annulments as a deeply compassionate process that acknowledges the complexities of relationships. Itʼs not about passing judgment, but rather discerning whether, at the time of the wedding, certain essential elements were missing within the relationship.
While there is no guarantee that an annulment will be granted, petitioners can be assured that we will walk with them every step of the way, offering care and support, no matter the outcome. Our dedicated staff is committed to compassionately accompanying individuals, lifting them up in prayer, and helping them move forward in their relationship with Jesus, His Church, and the sacraments.
Focusing ahead with grace and faith, this process can open a path for healing and could allow for new beginnings within the Church. It is ultimately a journey of hope and reconciliation, honoring the dignity of each person involved.
The Office the Tribunal is a church court that examines petitions from parties looking to have their marriage declared null and void. The office ministers to divorced men and women, both Catholics and non-Catholics, who are looking to marry in the Church.
Very Rev. Brian Belongia | Judicial Vicar
Phone: 920-272-8172
Kerry Adam | Tribunal Coordinator
Phone: 920-272-8167
Fr. Scott Valentyn | Defender of the Bond
Phone: 920-272-8177
Marriage enrichment resources are designed to help couples grow in love, deepen their connection, and strengthen their relationship. These resources offer practical tools, spiritual guidance, and support to help spouses navigate lifeʼs challenges together while growing in faith and commitment. Whether youʼre newly married or celebrating years together, these resources are here to support your journey toward a thriving marriage.
Marriage and Family Life in the Diocese of Green Bay is dedicated to fostering a culture where strong marriages and families thrive. Through a variety of programs and resources, it supports pastors and parishes in nurturing the sacrament of marriage and the gift of family life. To learn more, call (920) 272-8283 or email marriageministries@gbdioc.org.
We support parents with everything from fostering family prayer to navigating the challenges of parenting in a digital age. Additionally, we assist parishes in creating and sustaining ministries and programs that nurture strong, faith-filled families.
“The Joy of Love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church.ˮ
-Pope Francis
A vibrant community of local users, offering resource sharing, mutual support, and a central hub for virtual events.
The Church recognizes parents as the “primary educators and disciplersˮ of their children. Among all the influential figures in a childʼs life—priests, catechists, and Catholic school teachers—it is the example set by parents that shapes their habits of discipleship and their relationship with Jesus. What an incredible responsibility! This resource is designed to help parents guide their children in discovering Jesus, following Him, worshiping Him, and sharing His love with others.
For couples celebrating significant anniversaries, learn how to request a Papal Blessing Parchment by submitting your request directly to the Papal Charities Office in Vatican City or through their official website.
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
11:00 am
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
140 S. Monroe Ave
Green Bay, WI 54301
The 2025 theme is “To Have and To Hold”: Living out the total self-gift for each other. Good marriages can always be made better! Marriage is “a project to be worked on together" and a “process of growth” (Amoris Laetitia, no. 218, 221) Come and join us for a faith filled weekend retreat for married couples, no matter if you are a newlyweds or if you are celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary, all are welcome to participate. Marriages are witnesses to God’s faithful, fruitful, and lasting love. All couples are welcome!
Cost: $250/couple (includes meals, materials, and accommodations) Payment is due at the time of registration. No refunds if cancelled 2 weeks before the event.
Dates: Friday, March 14th - Sunday, March 16th, 2025
Time: Starts at 7:00 PM Friday, Ends at 3:00 PM Sunday
Location: Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI
Resource shows the value of marriage — especially for the kids and all of society
Milwaukee/Green Bay/Escanaba | Retrouvaille of Milwaukee/Green Bay
Phone: (920)288-2043
Email: 2043@retrouvaille.org
