[Thrownatbirth]

why not counseling requirement?

I think Catholics still have the Pre-Cana conference requirement. I remember it being a true test of a marriage because it was always scheduled on Sundays at the 1 pm NFL kickoff time. That gave me all the reason I needed to stay single, although I've had one of those non-wives for 30 years.

[trimom]

Catholics in most diocese do have a Pre-Cana type requirement. My daughter and her fiance (now husband) went to an Engaged Encounter weekend to meet the requirement. It was over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. And there was no beer. LOL

In the end, both thought it was a worthwhile experience.