Initial Interview
At the initial interview you officially began the process of preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. Some of what we did was:
Form "B" for Both
The Form "B" is similar to the Form "A" but this time family or friends attest that you're able to enter into marriage. It only takes a few minutes to complete, but l'd recommend that your witnesses call for an appointment, so it only takes a few minutes.
FOCUS Survey©
The FOCUS survey helps us to identify areas for discussion as we prepare for your marriage (as opposed to the wedding). Ideally, this should be completed before the Marriage Preparation Sessions and Retreat. Remember, it's a survey and not a test. There are no "correct" or "incorrect" answers. There are basically three steps:
Marriage Preparation Sessions
Rather than having you come to classes once a week, every week for six weeks, we offer the online sessions, Beloved ™M through Formedo. It's a series of six sessions that you can take at your own pace. We've paid the licensing fees so there's no addition cost to you. This package includes directions to access the sessions, plus we also include the forms to record and submit your responses. You can submit the responses through email, or you can bring them to the Marriage Preparation Retreat.
Marriage Preparation Retreat
After you've completed the Focus survey and interview, as well the Beloved series your preparation culminates with a daylong retreat with other couples. The retreats are held several times a year on Saturdays from 9:00 am to the 5:00 pm Mass. At the Mass you will receive a special blessing from the priest. So you'll want to plan on 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We will provide everything you need for the retreat. Ideally, the Formed Survey, the Online Sessions, and the Retreat at least six months before your wedding.
Ceremony Readings
You will need to select a reading from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament and a Gospel Reading. We've included a booklet of the available readings. As soon as you ve decided what readings you'd like, let us know what your choices are. We will have a Readings Book available at the ceremony for your reader(s).
Dispensation/Permission
If either of you is not a Baptized Catholic, we will have the Catholic party sign a Dispensation/Permission request. This is a simple step that is usually done the same day that we meet for the Focus survey.
Wedding Ceremony
Your special day has finally arrived. We will have the Church available 30 minutes early. The ritual for the Rite of Matrimony are pretty straightforward. Instructions of when to stand, or sit, or say are built into the ritual, so you won't miss any cues. Don't let the ritual become more important than the Rite. Don't forget to breathe and enjoy the day. Remember, your wedding ceremony is only the beginning of a special and holy life together.
Current Baptism Certificate(s)
For Catholics, the Bishops require proof of Baptism. The proof that is asked for is a current Certificate of Baptism. By current, they ask for a new certificate dated within the past six months. For most people, this means contacting their church of baptism and requesting a new certificate. Because this is a universal requirement, you'll find that the church is more than happy to provide your certificate. The purpose of asking for a current certificate is this: When you receive sacraments in the Church, the church that administered your sacraments, (Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage), is required to notify the church of baptism. This means that your church of baptism will have all your sacrament history. If you are a Baptized Christian from another faith tradition, this proof will depend on when and where you were baptized.
Confirmation Certificate(s)
If you are a Baptized Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation, we will need a copy of the certificate. If you have not received Confirmation Canon Law states, "Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before they are admitted to marriage if it can be done without grave inconvenience.
- Canon 1065 §1
Marriage License
A Catholic wedding is not only a religious ceremony; it is a legal ceremony. For every marriage we will need a wedding license. If you are not married civilly now, you will need to secure a wedding license within 90 days of the ceremony. You will need to present the license to us before the wedding can take place (usually at the rehearsal). If you are currently married civilly, we will need a copy of the license as soon as possible.