Marriage
Marriage:
A Sacrament of Vocation.
“Marriage is a ‘demanding journey’ which can be complicated at times. Getting married and sharing one’s life is something beautiful. And on this life-long journey, the husband and wife aren’t alone, Jesus accompanies them. Marriage isn’t just a ‘social’ act, it’s a vocation that’s born from the heart, a conscious decision for the rest of one’s life that requires specific preparation.”
- Pope Francis
Marriage Preparation
Couples who plan to be married at St. Mary should contact the Parish Office at least six months before their intended wedding date. There are several steps to complete before setting a wedding date, and this preparation process can take several months.
For more information or to begin preparation, please call Julie in the Parish Office.
General Requirements (roughly in order)
- Contact the parish at least six months before your intended wedding date.
- Complete forms and provide paperwork to begin a marriage file:
- Information forms for Bride & Groom
- Provide a currently dated baptismal certificate with full notations from your church of baptism
- Provide copies of first communion and confirmation certificates
- Provide annulment papers (if applicable)
- Initial meeting with the Priest
- Complete Freedom to Marry interviews
- Complete Witness Interviews
- Complete FOCCUS Instrument
- Complete FOCCUS Review
- Set wedding date
- Speak with the Director of Music
- Attend Marriage Preparation classes
- Complete training in Natural Family Planning (NFP)
- Choose readings and other options for wedding
Note: Do not reserve your reception venue or set a wedding date before you meet with the Priest and complete the necessary steps of preparation. Potential wedding dates will not be reserved or scheduled in advance.
Annulments
Contact the Parish Office to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a Declaration of Nullity for a previous marriage.