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 bride and groom are at and what is needed to be married. A couple should never book a reception hall and/or other services without completing this step. From there we will give you a hard copy packet to gather all the required information, in preparation to complete the online form. 2. Submit the required sacramental documents. We will need copies of your sacramental records, which might require obtaining new copies from the parish(es) where the sacraments were received. You can find a list of the documents to gather here, starting with the baptismal certificate. 3. Complete a marriage compatibility assessment. This in-depth survey makes the couple aware of any future challenges or difficulties that may arise in marriage. It is an invaluable tool. Here we use the Prepare/ Enrich program, similar to Focus used in other parishes. We will set you up with our own facilitators to accomplish this. 4. Attend a “Pre Cana” marriage instruction program. Part of the preparation process involves learning the essentials of Matrimony. The Archdiocese offers either a single weekend or a series of five evening classes. For dates and times, navigate to https://archdiosf.org/staff and scroll down. For more information, call the Archdiocesan Family Life Office at (505) 831-8208 or (505) 831-8117. 5. Participate in a Natural Family Planning (NFP) course. Fulfilling God’s plan with regard to marital intimacy and the begetting of children is an essential part of a successful, grace-filled marriage. One available online option that we like to use is sponsored by the Couple to Couple League, here. You can also call them at (513) 471-2000 or (800) 745-8252. 6. Prenuptial questioning of the bride and groom. The couple meets with the pastor or delegate, each individually. In question and answer form they testify under oath to their suitability for marriage. 7. Testimonies by 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. They can be parents, siblings or other close relatives, or individuals who know either of the parties well. 8. Obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk’s Office. There the couple will receive a marriage certificate which needs to be brought to the wedding. 9. Marriage liturgy preparation. We will work out all the details of the wedding, from photographers to flowers, decorations, and music. You can find our parish guidelines here. 10. 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. 11. THE WEDDING. Two essential acts are accomplished here: first the exchange of vows by the couple before the priest or deacon functioning as the “Officiant” for both the Church and the State, and then the signing of the marriage certificate, by the 1) presider, 2) the bride, 3) the groom, the 4) best man and 5) the maid of honor. 12. Submission of the signed marriage certificate to the County Clerk. 13. 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.