From Cana to the Tribunal: Navigating Marriage and Healing

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Helping a couple prepare for a wedding is a joy; helping a parishioner navigate an annulment is a work of mercy. Yet, both processes are often bogged down by complex paperwork, canon law requirements, and difficult conversations. If not managed well, the "administrative" side of marriage can overshadow the "sacramental" grace.

This course equips you to handle the practical and legal side of marriage and annulments with professional efficiency and deep pastoral sensitivity. We integrate leadership skills and conflict management with theological reflection, ensuring your parish office is a place of healing rather than a source of frustration.

This course is an online, self-paced course including the following modules:
  • Module 0 – Course Introduction and Orientation
  • Module 1 – Matrimony
  • Module 2 – Annulments

What you will be able to do:

  • Streamline Marriage Prep: Implement a "Cana Roadmap" that keeps couples on track with documents, Pre-Cana requirements, and liturgical planning.

  • Demystify the Tribunal: Gain the confidence to explain the annulment process clearly and compassionately, moving from "first inquiry" to resolution.

  • Master Conflict & Communication: Learn high-level communication skills to handle the delicate group dynamics and emotional family conflicts that often arise during these processes.

  • Organize Your Time: Create a sustainable system for managing multiple case files and wedding schedules without burning out.

"We spent a lot of time at seminary talking about the importance of matrimony, but when the first couple came to me to request the sacrament, I was frustrated because I didn't know how to begin. It was even more so for annulments. This is my step-by-step plan that takes away all the guess work." 

Fr. Anthony Stoeppel - Vicar General, Pastor, School President & Seminary Vice-Rector

Click HERE for Biography

Associate Professor of Church Management
The Busch School of Business
The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)

Completion of this course grants a $149 voucher toward our Graduate Certificate or MCA (Masters of Church Administration). Enroll for $149, and if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MCA later, your $149 will be applied as a tuition credit.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Total Time: 3 Hours

Completion Time: One Afternoon

Time Saved: Hours Every Week

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course ($109).
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Certificate of Completion and a $109 credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your credits toward a Master of Science in Church Management.

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course.
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Digital Badge and a tuition credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your tuition credits toward a MCA degree.

Mastering the logistics of marriage is essential for a healthy parish. Our Masters in Church Administration expands these skills into broader organizational leadership, helping you manage the staff and volunteer teams that support these vital ministries.

Pathway to Mastery


Is your parish facing financial hardship? We believe no priest should be denied formation due to budget. Click here to apply for a Parish Excellence Grant to your enrollment, or send an email to busch-cmp@cua.edu.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Online, asynchronous through Brightspace at The Catholic University of America.

No in-person or specific course days/times required.

Start and end when you want. 

This course is taught in English. Other languages are available upon request. Please email busch-cmp@cua.edu for more details.

Price: $149.00
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