Pre-engagement and engagement preparation
Before Forever
Before you say yes to forever. The better you prepare now, the more you’ll enjoy the engagement and focus on the sacrament.
What it is
Before Forever is a facilitated program for Catholic dating couples discerning engagement, and for engaged couples preparing for marriage. Guided by Katie and Mike Palitto, both FOCCUS Certified Facilitators, you’ll work through the FOCCUS Inventory together — naming your strengths, surfacing growth areas, and making your final discernment with clarity and confidence.
Before Forever complements your parish’s marriage preparation.
What is FOCCUS?
FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study) is a research-based, faith-based pre-marriage inventory used in Catholic dioceses worldwide. Each partner completes it separately; it is electronically scored, highlighting areas of agreement and topics that need deeper conversation.
Facilitated
Sessions with an experienced married couple who offer feedback, affirm strengths, and help you navigate challenges.
FOCCUS-based
The FOCCUS Inventory provides an objective foundation — identifying areas of agreement and topics that need deeper conversation.
Sacramental
Grounded in Catholic anthropology and Theology of the Body. This isn’t couples therapy — it’s formation for the vocation of marriage.
What we cover
- Friends, Interests & Personal Issues
- Financial Values
- Communication & Problem Solving
- Family
- Spirituality & Values
- Sexuality
Who it’s for
Couples discerning engagement
So when the ring comes, you both know exactly why you’re saying yes.
Engaged couples
Long-term couples needing clarity
How it works
- 1
Free introduction call
About 15 minutes.
- 2
The FOCCUS Inventory
Each partner takes the FOCCUS Inventory separately.
- 3
Four facilitated sessions
Four 1-hour facilitated sessions.
- 4
Continued conversation
The insights are meant to be lived, not just discussed. This is the beginning, not the end.
How we meet: in person in the Kansas City area, or by FaceTime. Mike joins every session.
Free intro call