Encouraging Catholic Weddings (ECW)

Welcome to "Encouraging Catholic Weddings (ECW)" - an initiative of the Diocese of Trenton Plan for Strengthening Marriage. ECW has three components:

1. ECW Program for Parishes (learn more...)

2. ECW Resources for Catholics (learn more...)

3. The Wedding Survival Guide for Catholics (learn more...)

ECW is an outcome of the diocesan Plan for Strengthening Marriage, which calls us "to influence the decision of Catholics to marry in the Church through the development and widespread dissemination of a compelling message about Catholic marriage." (Objective Three of the Plan)

There is so much to say about the beauty of Catholic marriage, but when it comes to a compelling message, one thing we can say for sure - "Catholic marriage is a gift!"

First, it is a gift to the couple themselves who receive the grace and blessing of God, and the on-going support of their parish community. Second, it is a gift of hope and joy to their family, friends, faith community and all who know them.Third, it is a gift to the world because it is makes Christ's love truly present and it helps build the Kingdom of God on earth.

So how do we share this message of hope with our young adult Catholics who are discerning marriage? How do we help parents and grandparents convince their adult children and grandchilden of all that is good about Catholic marriage? How do we assist parishes to promote the beauty of Catholic marriage?

At the core of the "Encouraging Catholic Weddings" initiative is the 192-page practical guidebook, The Wedding Survival Guide for Catholics – 44 Strategies to Survive Wedding Planning and Thrive in a Catholic Marriage.

This book is a joint venture of the Diocese of Trenton and the secular publishing group, Stress Gone Publishing LLC; it helps couples minimize wedding/reception planning stress, promotes the  beauty of Catholic marriage, and shows how to navigate the complexities of planning a Church wedding.

The "Encouraging Catholic Weddings" initiative includes resources for anyone interested in Catholic marriage, and a free, comprehensive yet easy-to-implement parish program that helps identify couples as they become engaged and inspires them to seek all the elements of a true and beautiful Catholic marriage. Learn more below...