Holy Matrimony
Preparing for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a blessed time, and busy! Looking at the steps below one can see how at least six months is required for those who are currently members of our parish. For couples looking to be married just stop by and we will get you started.
BACK TO OTHER SACR.S
1. Talk with the Pastor. In five to ten minutes the pastor can see where the couple is at and what is needed to be married. A couple should never book a reception hall and/or other services without completing this step. 2. Submit the required documents. We will give the couple a list of the documents to submit, starting with the baptismal certificate, and any others after that. 3. Complete a “Pre-Cana” Program. A number of marriage preparation programs are available. The archdiocesan Catholic Center as well as different parishes around town hold Engaged Encounters. A couple might like the FOCUS compatibility survey which can also be completed online. For more information contact the archdiocesan Family Life Office at (505) 831-8117. 4. Complete Natural Family Planning (NFP). Fulfilling God’s plan with regard to marital intimacy and the begetting of children is an essential part of a successful, grace-filled marriage. For more information the couple can contact the archdiocesan Family Life Office at (505) 831-8117. 5. Prenuptial questioning. The couple meets with the pastor or delegate, each individually. In question and answer form they testify under oath to their suitability for marriage. 6. Testimony of those who know the couple. Part of marriage preparation involves an interview with two people who know the bride well and two others who know the groom well, and can testify under oath that they are ready to be married. 7. Get a marriage license from the County Clerk’s Office. In return the couple will receive a marriage certificate which needs to be brought to the wedding. 8. The wedding rehearsal. We will go over the liturgy with the couple and have a practice with the wedding party the night before so that everybody knows what to do. 9. THE WEDDING. Two essential acts are accomplished here: 1) the exchange of vows by the couple before the priest or deacon, the “Officiant” for both the Church and the State, and 2) the signing of the marriage certificate. 10. Submission of the signed marriage certificate to the County Clerk. 11. Two six-month follow ups. After six months the pastor will invite the couple back to see how they are doing. It is an invaluable opportunity to make sure the marriage is going well in these early stages.
HOLY MATRIMONY
OTHER SACR.S
Preparing for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a blessed time, and busy! Looking at the steps below one can see how at least six months is required for those who are currently members of our parish. For couples looking to be married just stop by and we will get you started.
1. Talk with the Pastor. In five to ten minutes the pastor can see where the couple is at and what is needed to be married. A couple should never book a reception hall and/or other services without completing this step. 2. Submit the required documents. We will give the couple a list of the documents to submit, starting with the baptismal certificate, and any others after that. 3. Complete a “Pre-Cana” Program. A number of marriage preparation programs are available. The archdiocesan Catholic Center as well as different parishes around town hold Engaged Encounters. A couple might like the FOCUS compatibility survey which can also be completed online. For more information contact the archdiocesan Family Life Office at (505) 831-8117. 4. Complete Natural Family Planning (NFP). Fulfilling God’s plan with regard to marital intimacy and the begetting of children is an essential part of a successful, grace- filled marriage. For more information the couple can contact the archdiocesan Family Life Office at (505) 831-8117. 5. Prenuptial questioning. The couple meets with the pastor or delegate, each individually. In question and answer form they testify under oath to their suitability for marriage. 6. Testimony of those who know the couple. Part of marriage preparation involves an interview with two people who know the bride well and two others who know the groom well, and can testify under oath that they are ready to be married. 7. Get a marriage license from the County Clerk’s Office. In return the couple will receive a marriage certificate which needs to be brought to the wedding. 8. The wedding rehearsal. We will go over the liturgy with the couple and have a rehearsal with the wedding party the night before so that everybody knows what to do. 9. THE WEDDING. Two essential acts are accomplished here: 1) the exchange of vows by the couple before the priest or deacon, the “Officient” for both the Church and the State, and 2) the signing of the marriage certificate. 10. Submission of the signed marriage certificate to the County Clerk. 11. Two six-month follow ups.  After six months the pastor will invite the couple back to see how they are doing. It is an invaluable opportunity to make sure the marriage is going well in these early stages.