Marriage Preparation:
Helping Our Engaged Couples Build a Life Together in the Faith
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t. John parishioners Chelsea Payant and Charlie Husnick were married on Dec. 11. Like many couples who marry in the Church, Chelsea and Charlie participated in a marriage preparation course to learn more about the sacrament and ready themselves for marriage. But it was much more than simply discussing ceremony details such as music and flowers. The pair met with Fr. Joel for several sessions, as well as Deacon Andy and his wife, Stephanie. Their preparation also included the completion of an online questionnaire and virtual retreat. Finally, they met with Fr. Joel to discuss logistics for the marriage ceremony. The overall experience, however, was not simply about the wedding. Charlie says they were given a broader look at the sacrament. “I realized that the Church focuses on the Catholic teachings on marriage,” Charlie says. “It was much more than just the ceremony logistics. We discussed life together beyond just the one day of the ceremony.” Starting a life together in the Sacrament of Marriage is no small undertaking. Chelsea found it interesting that there was an emphasis not only on Catholic teaching but also the practical side of life in their new vocation. “Many of our questions and conversations revolved around how to simply live together as a married couple,” Chelsea says. “For example, we discussed who would be doing dishes, who would be paying bills, how we would spend holidays, and many other simple but important everyday questions.” Although both were struck by the focus on life after the wedding day, the two say they gained more understanding about the importance and sacredness of the sacrament. This led them to think about the ceremony more than just the reception to follow. Chelsea and Charlie have strived to keep Christ in the
Chelsea Payant and Charlie Husnick married on Dec. 11. The two say that the marriage preparation process helped them with the big-picture aspects of their new vocation.
center of their relationship, even before their vows at the altar. Throughout their relationship, they have prayed, volunteered, and attended church together. They say these practices have helped them grow closer in the faith as a couple. When asked what they learned during their marriage preparation experience, both Chelsea and Charlie affirm the aspect of faith as part of the marriage vocation and commitment to each other. “I learned the parallel between Jesus and His unconditional and sacrificial love for the Church and a husband and wife’s unconditional and sacrificial love,” Chelsea says. “I learned that it is a covenant between Chelsea, myself, and God,” Charlie says. “It’s so important to remember that God is also part of the marriage.”
“I realized that the Church really focuses on the Catholic teachings on marriage. It was much more than just the ceremony logistics. We discussed life together beyond just the one day of the ceremony.” — Charlie Husnick 6
