THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROCESS

 

The marriage preparation process includes the following elements:

 

    1. Meetings with the priest. During these meetings he will describe the marriage preparation process in detail, find out more about you and your relationship, take care of some of the necessary paperwork, talk with you about the teaching of the Church regarding marriage, and help with the planning of the wedding ceremony. He may also administer and discuss the results of the FOCCUS (see below). To arrange a schedule to meet with one of our priests please call the parish.
    2. Participation in the parish marriage preparation program or in an Engaged Encounter weekend. The parish marriage preparation program (no charge) consists of a number of meetings facilitated by a married couple in their home or at the parish; this couple will lead various discussions focusing on topics related to marriage. To sign up, call the lead couple (Contact Infomation and Schedule of Classes). The weekends, which take place at a retreat house, require reservations made well in advance and have a fee attached. Go to eesanjose.org to register.
    3. An introduction to the Natural Family Planning method of birth regulation. These sessions are held at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose. Early registration is recommended. For more information please contact our diocesan assistant for Family Planning Class. FOCCUS (not used by all priests). This written instrument will test your communication with each other. The priest will discuss with you the results of the FOCCUS.
    4. Completion of required documents. These documents include:

     

    • Baptismal certificate. If you were baptized Catholic, you will need a recent copy of your baptismal certificate, that is, one issued no more than six month before the date of your wedding. You will have to obtain this copy from the church of baptism. If you were baptized in some other Christian denomination, a photocopy of your original certificate is sufficient.

     

    • Form A (Questionnaire for Bride and Groom). You will meet with the priest to complete this form stating that you are free to marry and that you are able to fulfill the responsibilities of marriage. If you are a Catholic, you will be asked for the date and place of your first communion and confirmation.

     

    •  Form B (Questionnaire for Witness). Someone who knows you well--usually

         one of your parents--will meet with a priest to complete this form verifying the

         information you gave above. He or she will have to know about your reception

         of the sacraments.

     

    • Other documents may be necessary if this is an interfaith marriage (a marriage between a Catholic and someone of a different faith) or if the bride or groom has had a previous marriage. The priest will assist you.Civil marriage license. You must apply for a marriage license that is issued by the County Clerk's Office. Bring this to your rehearsal.

     

    How Do We Prepare your Marriage