"Christians celebrate the sacrament of marriage because they know they need it!
Why? They do so because they need to, for the long journey they are making together;
it is a long journey, not for a brief spell but for an entire life!"
Pope Francis
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DECISION TO GET MARRIED IN THE CHURCH!
WHAT’S NEXT?
The marriage preparation process for an engaged couple takes about 8-12 months. For those who have already been married civilly (by a judge) the process may be shorter depending on individual circumstances. Notify the St. Mary parish office (970) 352-1724 and one of the clergy will contact you to gather some preliminary information and schedule your first meeting. At this meeting, an individualized preparation process will be set up, based on your particular situation.
See the Archdiocese website for more detailed information: https://archden.org/marriage/
Normally, preparation for marriage in the Denver Archdiocese includes:
1. FOCCUS Inventory
The FOCCUS Inventory is a communication tool that provides you with a personalized profile of your relationship. Your FOCCUS inventory session will be set up at the initial meeting and, upon completion, you will meet with Father or Deacon to review your results. These sessions aim to facilitate communication between you and your future spouse.
2. Marriage Formation Program
Various programs are available within the Archdiocese, all of which focus on the theology of Catholic marriage as well as important life skills. At the initial meeting you’ll receive information on the programs available to help you select the program that best fits your needs.
3. Natural Family Planning (NFP) Instruction
Christian marriage is open to life. NFP respects the love-giving and life-giving aspects of marriage, and enriches the bond between husband and wife. This instruction gives couples a natural approach to understanding the woman’s cycles of fertility and infertility. You will receive a list of available classes at the initial meeting.
Follow up meetings with Father or Deacon will check in with you to see how the preparation process is coming along. The necessary paperwork will be completed and placed in your file. You will start to plan your wedding liturgy.
Final preparation in the month before the wedding will involve obtaining your marriage license. You will also go to Confession in preparation for receiving the sacrament of matrimony. This is a beautiful and important step of spiritually preparing to invite Christ into your married life.
Commonly asked questions
1. What sacraments are required for a Catholic to receive the sacrament of Matrimony?
A Catholic must have completed the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Certificates documenting reception of these sacraments will be collected as part of the paperwork requirements. If you are in need of these sacraments, arrangements to receive them will be made as part of the preparatory process. If you are already married civilly, the other sacraments will be delayed until the marriage has been convalidated (see below).
2. What if we are already married civilly or by common law?
Couples already married by a judge or by common law may receive the sacrament of matrimony. The Church calls this “convalidation”. A convalidation is usually a very simple ceremony celebrated in the presence of a few friends and family. The preparatory requirements for convalidation may be different and are determined on a case by case basis.
3. What if one or both are have been previously married and divorced?
Individuals seeking the sacrament of marriage who have been previously married and divorced are required to go through a process called “annulment”. If applicable, Father or Deacon will review the requirements for this at the initial meeting with the couple.
4. Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic?
Yes, with special permission. This will be discussed during the preparatory meetings.
5. Can a Catholic marry a non-Christian?
Yes, with a special dispensation. This is also discussed during the preparatory meetings.
The Lord has called you to consider a wonderful vocation within the life of the Church - Catholic Marriage. We look forward to making this journey of preparation with you.