Office of Marriage & Family Life

The Catholic Church views marriage as a great gift from God. As a sacrament, marriage points to and makes present God's radical love. Christ's vision of marriage is one of vocation; it is a call from God which is mean to be lived for the sanctification of the spouses and the whole community. This view of marriage is challenging, but it was also given to us to that our "joy might be complete" (John 15:11). In our world today, Christ's vision of marriage and of the family is one which invites us to live abundantly! (John 10:10)

Sharing in Christ's vision, the Diocese of Des Moines Marriage and Family Life Office seeks to work with parishes and couples, walking with all families in all their stages, including marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, supporting family life, and assisting the Tribunal with divorce and annulment care.

"...Marriage is not an ideal but the measure of true love between a man and a woman" - Pope Leo XIV

Marriage Preparation

 

We help organize and facilitate marriage preparation throughout our diocese, with the goal of catechizing couples regarding the covenantal relationship they are entering, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in their vocation, and supporting them throughout their married lives.

 

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"Invited to Joy" Workshop

This one-day event invites couples into a deeper understanding of a sacramental marriage and offers tools to help fill their marriage with the richness of joy that only Christ can offer.

Marriage Preparation Guidelines

Couples should begin their marriage preparation at their home parish. Couples are required to participate in a sacramental preparation process prior to their marriage.

Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning (NFP) refers to the scientific, natural, and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancy.

Wedding Guidelines

This handbook is meant to guide couples in their choices for worship aids, parts of the wedding Mass or service, worship decorations, and more.

Marriage Enrichment

 

We help coordinate marriage enrichment opportunities throughout the diocese, as well as provides parishes with enrichment resources and tools in order to better help them support their parish families.

 

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The Third Option

The Third Option is a program that walks couples through 14 skills-based workshops, helping them to grow in everything from understanding anger and cultivating respect to restoring trust.

Teams of Our Lady

Teams of Our Lady is a movement of Christian Marriage Spirituality, which brings together couples united by the Sacrament of Matrimony, and who wish, together, to deepen the graces of their Sacrament.

Six Dates Program

The 6 Dates Program invites couples to go out on six dates and discuss reflection questions that will foster communication, offer catechesis, and help couples nurture their marriage.

For Your Marriage

For Your Marriage helps couples at all stages of life to understand and live God’s plan for happy, holy marriages by providing educational and spiritual resources.

Nurturing Family Life

 

We help by advancing the Christian vision of marriage and family life in the culture of southwest Iowa, proclaiming again the great invitation and challenge that is extended to every family through the Gospel, and reminding our marriages of the support that Christ and His Church offer.

Family Faith Resources

Parents are the primary educators and catechists of their children, and the Catholic community rooted in the parish is here to assist parents in this vital mission.

Freedom from Pornography

If you, or someone you love, is struggling with pornography, know that you are not alone, you need not be ashamed, and that freedom is possible.

Miscarriage, Infertility, & Infant Loss

Those who experience the pain of a miscarriage, the challenges of infertility, or the grief of infant loss do not have to do so alone.

Prenatal Diagnosis Support

Receiving a prenatal diagnosis, especially one that is life-limiting or fatal, can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.

Annulments & Divorce Care

Experiencing the breakdown of a marriage is difficult, to say the least. One's hopes and dreams, investment and resources, are placed in the sacramental relationship that's expected to last a lifetime. The Office of Marriage & Family Life, alongside the Tribunal, are here to support those in the process of a divorce or annulment.