A retreat for couples preparing to enter the Sacrament of Marriage after loss or nullity.
Your story has known love, loss, and healing. Now prepare together for the new beginning God has in store for you.
This One At Last is a one-day marriage preparation retreat designed specifically for couples preparing to enter the Sacrament of Marriage following the death of a spouse or a declaration of nullity (annulment). Through prayer, witness, conversation, and reflection, couples are invited to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and one another as they prepare to say a wholehearted “I do.”
Who is this retreat for?
This One At Last is designed for couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church when one or both spouses have previously been married.
This retreat may be right for you if:
- One or both of you lost a spouse through death
- One or both of you received a declaration of nullity (annulment)
- You want a marriage prep retreat experience that acknowledges your life journey
- You are preparing for marriage while navigating children or blended family dynamics
- You desire time to reflect, pray, and prepare spiritually together for your vocation of marriage
Rather than ignoring the past, this retreat helps couples see how God continues to bring healing, grace, and hope as you prepare to begin this new chapter together.
What you'll experience
This retreat is more than a marriage preparation class—it is a day of reflection, encouragement, and spiritual preparation for your future marriage.
The day includes:
- Inspiring presentations on the meaning of the wedding vows
- Witness from married couples who share their own journeys
- Guided conversations for you and your fiancé
- Time for prayer and reflection
- Eucharistic Adoration
- Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Continental breakfast and lunch
The retreat provides space not only to prepare for your wedding day, but to begin forming the spiritual foundation for your marriage.
Why this retreat is different
Most marriage preparation programs are designed for couples entering marriage for the first time. This One At Last recognizes that couples preparing for marriage after loss or nullity often carry a unique life story.
You may bring experiences of:
- grief and loss
- civil divorce and healing
- the annulment process
- children from a previous marriage
- forming a blended family
This retreat offers an open, hopeful space where couples can reflect on those experiences while preparing together for the vocation of marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fulfill the Pre-Cana requirement?
Yes. This retreat fulfills the marriage preparation retreat requirement for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church after the death of a spouse or a declaration of nullity.
What does the day include?
The retreat includes presentations, reflection time as a couple, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity for Reconciliation, and shared meals.
Should we attend if only one of us was previously married?
Yes. Many couples include one spouse who was previously married and one who was not.
Begin Your Next Chapter
God never stops writing the story of our lives. This One At Last is an invitation to bring your whole story—joys, wounds, memories, and hopes—into the presence of Christ as you prepare to begin married life together.
