Marriage

We congratulate you on your decision to make a commitment to each other in marriage.  Your wedding date marks the official date of this commitment.  Therefore, we offer these guidelines and instructions to help facilitate your preparation for your life-long commitment of love and fidelity to each other as a married couple, as well as the celebration of the wedding day itself.

Here are a few requirements for a Catholic marriage:

•  You or your future spouse must be a participating member in the Catholic faith.  An active faith is the foundation for a Catholic marriage, or any Christian marriage.
• If Catholic, you must provide a newly issued Baptism Certificate with notations for marriage.  Our Diocese expects that this is done about 6 months before the wedding, so it is best to wait on securing this document until you have already begun your preparation.
• Non-Catholics need to provide a birth certificate, and if baptized, information on baptism.
• You must demonstrate that no previous marriages have existed.  Our Diocese expects that an Affidavit form be filled out and signed--one each, done by one’s own parent, or older relative.
• If either of you is not a Catholic, you will need to receive permission for a mixed marriage or dispensation for disparity of worship.   The person assisting you in your preparation will explain this, and answer questions regarding Catholic teaching or practices.
• Finally, a civil marriage license must be obtained no earlier than 3 months, and no later than 72 hours before the wedding date.   It is given to the priest or deacon presider preferably when you meet with him to review your liturgy plan.  (It must be turned in no later than the rehearsal.)
• You should not enter into a civil marriage before a church marriage.

 
Due to the busy schedule of our clergy, and those who prepare couples for their wedding, please give yourself adequate time to prepare and contact the church office at least nine months before your tentative wedding date.  Planning ahead is even more important if you have had a previous marriage of any type as that may lengthen the preparation process. Reserving the Church is possible only after beginning official marriage preparation. (It is wise to wait on securing a venue until positive of a church for your wedding.)

• Submit the Marriage Inquiry Form
• Sr. M. Adelaide Cannon, CSC, Pastoral Associate for Marriage Preparation, will contact you to set up an appointment

Our goal is to help you prepare yourselves well for a valid Catholic marriage, and to ensure that your wedding liturgy goes smoothly.   Remember, your wedding is a day, and your marriage a lifetime. Thank you for celebrating your wedding here, and may God bless you with many happy years of marriage.  To help you prepare the parish provides the following guidelines.

Pastoral Associate for Marriage Preparation

For more information on how to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony at our parish, please contact Sr. M. Adelaide Cannon, Pastoral Associate for Marriage Preparation.

Director of Worship and Sacred Music, Organist

For information regarding wedding music, you will need to contact Dr. John J. Hoffman, Director of Sacred Music, Organist three months in advance. He will be able to assist you in selections for the wedding liturgy and advice you on all matters regarding the music and the fees.