What is meant by instruction by the priest or deacon?
A priest or deacon charged with marriage instruction usually meets with the couple several times. The first is to collect information needed for Church records (called Pre-Nuptial Investigation, or PNI) and to discuss marriage from a Catholic and Christian perspective. Also, the priest or deacon may give the couple a survey to fill out that will help them measure their understanding of key aspects of their relationship and of married life. At the second meeting, the priest or deacon will go over the results of the survey with the couple and invite their input. He will continue discussion of Christian marriage, inviting them to share their insights and concerns. The third and final meeting will be to plan the wedding ceremony with the couple. The above is but an outline; dioceses or parishes may use different formats to accomplish what is listed above.
