Congratulations on your decision to embark on a journey as lifelong partners in union with God and the Catholic Community. This is the beginning of an exciting time for both of you and the Church. In taking the steps to be a Sacramental couple you are preparing for a life-time commitment to each other, God and the Church.
The Catholic concept of marriage involves much more than holding a wedding in a church. What makes a Catholic marriage is a personal relationship of life-giving love in which two people make the love of Christ present to each other and become a sign of that love of Christ to those around them.
Marriage preparation is to help you better understand the joys and challenges of living the Sacrament of Matrimony in your daily lives. Your decision to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony means:
You are freely coming to this union
You want more than a civil ceremony
You want God to be part of your relationship
We welcome inquiries if you wish to:
Prepare for first time marriage
Have your civil marriage recognized by the Church
Investigate a subsequent marriage in the event either or both of you have been previously married, widowed or had a prior marriage annulled
Couples participate in an assessment process with the Deacon designed to assist you and the Church evaluate your readiness for marriage. Steps in the assessment process include:
Initial interview with the Deacon to gather essential information.
Completion of an inventory to help facilitate a dialogue to tailor marriage preparation to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
Engaged Encounter weekend retreat which begins on a Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. Topics covered include the Sacrament of Matrimony, communication skills, finances, married intimacy, sexuality, family and their role in the Church and society.
Natural Family Planning sessions to prepare you for marriage oriented toward a shared Christ centered life. Content includes the sacramental aspects of marriage and sexuality to provide life skills needed throughout marriage.
Documents that you will be asked to provide include:
Baptismal Certificates issued within the last six months. If one of you is not Catholic, a similar document is to be provided to help determine whether a permission or dispensation is required.
Confirmation Certificates.
If you wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at St Rose but reside in another parish, your marriage preparation is normally completed in your home parish. A wedding date can be established at St Rose once the Pastor at your home parish provides a letter of permission.
Marriage Times Saturdays at 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM. Preparation Marriage preparation period is six months. Attend Mass weekly as you prepare to celebrate the Rite of Marriage and bring God into your married life. Preparation Program Engaged Encounter retreat at Christ the King. For questions, contact John and Tracy Pittman at 916.783.8643. For information, visit http://www.sacee.org Natural Family Planning Dignity Health—916-733-6256 FOCCUS Premarital inventory at Foccusinc.com Required Documents Certificates to be provided to St Rose: Baptism certificates for the bride and groom issued within the last six months. First Holy Communion and Confirmation certificates for the bride and groom. Pre-nuptial Witness Testimony provided by two Catholic witnesses for both the bride and groom. Marriage license from the county along with the names of the witnesses printed on a separate sheet of paper is to be provided to the Marriage Coordinator 30 days prior to the Marriage. For parishioners of other parishes: Letter from your Pastor giving permission for Marriage at St. Rose before date scheduling Complete Marriage preparation at your Parish in accordance with Diocese requirements. Required documents and permissions are to be provided to St. Rose 30 days prior to the Marriage date according to routine Diocesan practices. As applicable, the following is to be obtained prior to scheduling the Marriage date: Dispensation for a mixed Marriage for a Catholic to marry a baptized non-Catholic Dispensation for disparity of worship for a Catholic to marry a non-baptized person. Annulment of prior marriages through appropriate Catholic Church processes. |
Marriage Coordinator Marriage Coordinators: English: Lynne Brys (extension 7006) Spanish: Contact Parish Office Contact the Marriage Coordinator minimally 60 days prior to the Marriage date. Marriage Coordinator will assist with rehearsal and the elements of the Rite which can be selected by couple such as scripture readings. Music Arrangement for musicians, contracting and payment of music is the responsibility of the couple. The Marriage Coordinator approves the couples selections. Decorations Check with the Marriage Coordinator regarding the placement of floral arrangements and other decorations. Notify the florist that only masking tape may be used on the pews and/or floor. No tacks, nails or pins. The following is not permitted: Rice or birdseed. Petals in the aisle. Church Offering Customary offering for use of the Church and the Marriage Coordinator services: $500 Parishioner / $750 Non-Parishioner A non-refundable deposit of $250 is to be paid when scheduling the Marriage date at your first appointment. The remainder of the Church offering is due 30 days prior to the Marriage. Fees for the preparation of couples having Marriages at Parishes other than St. Rose is $250 payable at the first preparation meeting. A gift to officiating Clergy is customarily made the day of the Marriage. Cancellation The Marriage will be canceled if any member of the Marriage party is found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Alcohol and/or drugs are NOT allowed on Church premises. The rehearsal/Marriage will be canceled if all required documents are not delivered to St Rose 30 days prior to the rehearsal date. The $250 deposit is not refundable. However, if the remainder of the Church offering has been paid, it will be refunded if the Marriage is cancelled at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date. |