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MARRIAGE PREPARATION


THE STEPS OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI


1. INITIAL CALL
Explanation of marriage preparation process; scheduling of wedding; assignment of priest.  This must be done via phone at least 6 months before intended wedding date.  Contact: Gladys Whitehouse 919-847-8205 x244.
  
  Wedding Fee Schedule and registration info

2. WEDDING ORIENTATION SESSION
Wedding Orientation is the first step in the Marriage Preparation Process. Offered periodically throughout the year, couples will receive a basic overview of the Marriage Preparation requirements, view a power point presentation, complete forms for the wedding file and receive instructions on how to take the online FOCCUS Review. 

CalendarIcon  2010 Wedding Orientation Schedule & Registration


3. MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP
Offered 6 – 7 times a year and is facilitated by married couples. Sessions include expectations & goals of marriage, communication, attitudes about money, sex, children, family and roles in the Church & society. 

CalendarIcon  2010 Marriage Prep Workshop Schedule & Registration

4. FOCCUS REVIEW SESSION
Engaged couple schedules an appointment with a FOCCUS Review Couple and meet to discuss the strengths of their relationship & areas of needed growth.

5. BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
Six months prior to the wedding, we must have copies of the bride and groom's baptismal certificates.  If baptized Catholic, you must contact your Church of Baptism and request a recently issued baptismal certificate.  If baptized non-Catholic, a photocopy of your baptismal certificate is sufficient.  These certificates / copies should be sent to Maria Lynch (847-8205 ext. 289).

6. DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Engaged couples should attend a Music Orientation to plan the music for the wedding and arrange for instrumentalists. Music Orientations are offered four times per year on Saturday afternoons following Wedding Orientation. Contact Gene Pipas at 847-8205 x230 with questions.

CalendarIcon Click here for Wedding Music Orientation Dates.


7. MEETING WITH PRIEST
10 - 12 weeks before wedding, couple schedules an appointment with the priest or Family Life Coordinator to complete required diocesan paperwork and plan their wedding liturgy. 

Contacts:
 Fr. Mark: 919-847-8205 x 224
 Fr. Bill: 919-847-8205 x 223
 Fr. David: 919-847-8205 x 261
 Fr. Julian:  919-847-8205 x 241
 Gladys: 919-847-8205 x 244


8. WEDDING REHEARSAL
Fridays at 4, 5, 6 or 7PM. Volunteer Wedding Directors conduct the rehearsal on Friday evening & direct the Saturday wedding ceremony. Rehearsal time is booked along with the wedding time in the initial phone call.

9. WEDDING
Priest, Director of Music, family and family members assist and celebrate as the couple serves as the ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage!