© 2025 St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, Kettering. All rights reserved.
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The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant — not merely a legal contract — in which a man and woman commit to a lifelong partnership of mutual love, support, and faith. This union mirrors Christ’s spousal love for the Church. Spouses are called to reflect Christ to each other through a love that is:
Free – freely chosen without coercion
Total – a complete gift of self
Faithful – exclusive and committed
Fruitful – open to the gift of children
The Church offers both preparation for marriage and ongoing support throughout married life, including resources for couples in difficulty and courses on Natural Fertility Awareness.
Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church, and Canon Law requires couples to undertake a formal preparation programme. This ensures a proper understanding of the Sacrament and its lifelong commitments.
St. Edward’s Parish supports the Diocese-endorsed online course run by SmartLoving UK
🌐 smartloving.org/uk
Duration: 9 weeks, or can be fast-tracked to 4 weeks if needed (e.g. marriage abroad).
At completion: A report and certificate is issued to you and/or your priest, depending on email addresses provided at registration.
Format: Fully online, ideal for couples with busy schedules or living apart.
Zoom/Skype support is available for couples who would benefit from live guidance.
Approved with the Imprimatur, and accepted internationally by Catholic churches.
Couples often find that even if they’ve been cohabiting, the course prompts important conversations they’ve never had before — deepening their relationship in a Catholic context.
Visit: smartloving.org/northampton
Scroll to read/download the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Flier
Click “Engaged Couple” to open the registration form
You may also sign up for the optional e-newsletter with tips and resources for your marriage
Your priest will also guide you through registration and payment if needed, or you may contact:
📧 smartloving@talktalk.net
💡 Start early, especially if you are marrying abroad, as Church documentation and paperwork can take time to process.
Before committing to marriage, take time for careful, prayerful discernment. This online course is designed to help couples explore their relationship before formal engagement.
🔗 smartloving.org/discern
The early months of marriage are essential for forming healthy habits and relationship rituals.
Newlywed Date Nights offer a guided way to build these foundations.
🔗 smartloving.org/newlywed
Even strong marriages need nurturing. This course is for couples seeking to grow together, renew their commitment, and strengthen communication.
🔗 smartloving.org/marriage-kit
This course teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method — a faith-based approach to fertility that honours the dignity of both spouses. It supports both conception and spacing of children, and fosters deeper intimacy.
✅ Included free in the marriage preparation course.
🔗 smartloving.org/fertility
No marriage is beyond hope. The BreakThrough course is designed for individual spouses looking for healing and clarity — even if your partner isn’t ready to engage.
🔗 smartloving.org/breakthrough
This online programme offers powerful, practical tools to help restore hope and rebuild your marriage, guided by faith in God’s plan for you both.
© 2025 St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, Kettering. All rights reserved.
Find us on Social Media