The marriage preparation process must start at least six months prior to the date of marriage. The process includes the following elements:
Meetings with the priest/deacon. 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, if appropriate, help with the planning of the wedding ceremony. He may also administer and discuss the results of the FOCCUS (see below). Please do not register for or take part in any preparation activities, including the collection of documents, until you have received instructions from the priest/deacon.
Participation in a parish marriage preparation program or in an Engaged Encounter weekend. A 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. St Mary does not offer a parish marriage preparation program but the priest/deacon who is preparing you can help to put you in touch with a parish that does offer such a program. 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.
FOCCUS (not used by all priests/deacons). This written instrument will test your communication with each other. The priest will discuss with you the results of the FOCCUS.
Completion of required documents. These documents include: a. 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 insome other Christian denomination, a photocopy of your original certificate is sufficient.
b. Form A (Questionnaire for Bride and Groom). You will meet with the priest/deacon 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.
c. Form B (Questionnaire for Witness). Someone who knows you well--usually one of your parents--will meet with a priest/deacon to complete this form verifying the information you gave above. He or she will have to know about your reception of the sacraments.
d. 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/deacon will assist you.
e. Civil marriage license. You must apply for a marriage license that is issued by the
County
Clerk
's Office. Bring this to your rehearsal.