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A Commitment Of Time
The preparation process for your wedding should begin as soon as you become
engaged even if that is more than a year before the proposed wedding date.
Normally the preparation process should begin not less than one year before
the desired date of your wedding. This will give you adequate and less
stressful time to prepare for the details of the wedding celebration and to
reflect more deeply and prayerfully upon your upcoming marriage.
Contacting the Parish
The marriage preparation process is initiated with your first call to the
parish inquiring about being married in the Church. A member of the parish
staff will facilitate arrangements for you to meet with the pastoral
minister (usually a priest or deacon of the parish) as soon as possible. A
date for your wedding may not be entered into the parish calendar until such
a meeting takes place.
The Initial Meeting
At the time of your first meeting, the pastoral minister will explain the
marriage preparation process and provide information about the available
marriage preparation programs you are required to attend. You have the
option of selecting a program best suited to your needs (see section on
“Marriage Formation Sessions” for details).
The pastoral minister will begin to fill out the necessary canonical forms
and advise you as to what Church and civil documents are needed. The
pastoral minister will also make certain that there are no canonical or
civil impediments to your marriage. Once it is established that there are no
impediments or other serious obstacles evident the wedding date may be set.
In order to obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your
individual and shared experiences, the pastoral minister may have you
complete a premarital inventory, i.e.
F.O.C.C.U.S. (Facilitating, Open,
Couple, Communication, Understanding and Study), to assist you in
identifying strengths and areas for growth in your relationship, areas of
agreement or disagreement you may have with each other or with Church
teachings, that is, areas that need more of your reflection and discussion.
At this time in your preparation process, the parish may provide an
opportunity for family and parish members to support and affirm your
decision to marry through an Engagement Blessing.
For more information on
F.O.C.C.U.S.,
click here.