TO: ALL ENGAGED COUPLES and INTERESTED PARTIES (viz. Pastors, Marriage Ministers, Presenters, and Coordinators of Similar Programs)

FROM: Rev. Leo Tibesar, Coordinator, Engaged Couples Marriage Preparation Program

RE: Program suspension

DATE: Friday, December 21, 2007

The ECMPP was founded by Msgr. Richard T. Doherty in 1946. It was coordinated by Msgr. John A. Sullivan from 1968 to 1987. I have been privileged to coordinate it for these past 20 years!

After 61 years of providing invaluable preparation for engaged couples from this and other nearby dioceses, the ECMPP is taking a respite.

As more parishes take on the ministry of expansive pre-marriage sessions – beyond the communication skills focus of the Prepare instrument – numbers of couples attending are diminishing in various programs.

In 1987 there were ten sessions per year. In 2007 there were only five! In the 1990’s, it was not unusual to host dozens of couples for a given session! In recent years, three dozen couples would be an extraordinary number!

Given these features, archdiocesan officials have begun to wonder about the utility of having so many programs for ever decreasing numbers. Finally, they have decided to act. A process of consolidation will be initiated – beginning with the ECMPP.

Although five sessions of the EMCPP had dates scheduled on the printed brochure and the website, the Archdiocese has asked that all five be suspended. So, NOT ONE of the sessions scheduled for 2008 will be held!

Theoretically, sessions for 2009 could be scheduled later. But the new Archbishop may wish to continue with this consolidation process – even with other programs!

So, after 61 years, this suspension may be more than a respite. It may be an end – an end to a program that has served thousands of couples for six decades! Presenters set new standards for content and delivery. Perhaps some future time and/or place may allow some restoration for assisting hearts longing for the wisdom of experience informed by faith and for the transforming power of love immersing the self in the other.

Following are references to other programs that are still available in this Archdiocese. Minnesota couples must remember that attending twelve hours of such programs – that include communication skills and conflict resolution methods – will qualify them for a partial reduction of their county’s marriage license fee!

• Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Program – University of St. Thomas
• St. Olaf Program – downtown Minneapolis 612-332-7471 ext. 253
• Catholic Retreats for Engaged Couples – St. John the Baptist, New Brighton 651-434-4294
• Catholic Engaged Encounter:
• Christ the King Center, Buffalo, MN
• Dunrovin Retreat Center, Marine St. Croix, MN
• Encounter Office: 763-694-0075 ceeminnesota@mail.com
• Catholic Charities – Office for Separated and Divorced 651-603-0251
• Preparing for Marriage (and Second Marriages) – St. Jude, Mahtomedi, MN 651-426-3245

PEACE to ALL!