The Archdiocese of New Orleans has released a new set of Marriage Preparation Guidelines for those entering Catholic marriage.  The new guidelines, which were formulated through the efforts of Family Life Offices throughout the state of Louisiana, take effect in New Orleans on February 10 and will take effect in other dioceses of the state throughout 2008.

The new guidelines are meant to focus Catholic, engaged couples on the sacramentality of marriage and foster a deeper appreciation for the sacrament while addressing social issues facing Catholic marriage today. 

“The new guidelines are enforce the concept of marriage as a sacrament,” said Deacon David Farinelli of the Family Life Apostolate who worked extensively on the document.  “It is preparing couples for the sacrament; the strength is not in a couple’s skill building but in sacramentality.” 
 
Another strength lies in the amount of resources provided for priests, deacons and lay representatives preparing couples for marriage as well as distinctly outlining the responsibilities of all parties involved in the marriage preparation process including the couple.  With sections on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and discussion on the various stages of formation for the engaged, the new document is meant to be a resource to help couples prayerfully discern their readiness for the Sacrament of Matrimony. 

The Marriage Preparation Guidelines had not been updated since 1988. The new guidelines somewhat unify the marriage preparation process in all the Catholic dioceses of Louisiana and include an updated form of the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry all Catholic engaged couples must complete which will now be the same throughout the state. The survey is also now available in Spanish. 
 
For more information about preparing for Catholic marriage in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, go online to www.archdiocese-no.org/fla or call (504) 861-6243. You can find more resources about marriage preparation and enrichment online at www.foryourmarriage.org.

Reference: The Archdiocese of New Orleans - www.archdiocese-no.org

Getting married in Jackson Square requires a permit from the Parks and Parkways Department, 504.658.3200. You can download the form via the City of New Orleans online: http://cityofno.com/Portals/ParksandParkways/portal.aspx

To obtain a permit for your Second Line Parade in New Orleans, contact special events at 504.658.6201 COST: $50.25

The Application for Parade Permit, invoice will be sent. COST: $100.00/Per Officer.
The parade route and size will determine the number of officers needed.