Marriage Preparation

Step-by-Step Immediate Preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

Marriage is about more than the wedding day. Discerning the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a sacrament of service, requires preparation with the guidance of Holy Mother Church. In determining that you will live out God’s plan for you in this sacrament means are preparing to enter into a union that is intended to be indissoluble (life-long) and fruitful.

Participating in a marriage preparation program in the Catholic Church is required; but we should look at it as a gift. This time will help you grow together as a couple and think about things in terms of “we” instead of “me” or “I”.

Please see the frequently asked questions below. If you have additional questions, contact the Wedding Coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• One or both of us are registered, active parishioners at Church of the Annunciation. We want to prepare for marriage here. Is that possible?

  Congratulations on your engagement! You will need to speak with our Pastor. Please contact the Wedding Coordinator at weddings@acchtx.org to initiate the conversation.

• Neither of us are registered parishioners at Church of the Annunciation. Can we prepare for marriage at Church of the Annunciation?

  Congratulations on your engagement. At this point in time, our pastor is limiting our marriage preparation to those who are active, registered parishioners. Please contact your home or local parish and inquire about preparing for marriage there. You can have the wedding at Church of the Annunciation (please see the “Wedding” page for information).

• Is it possible to prepare for marriage at Church of the Annunciation, but have the wedding at another church?

  If the bride or groom is an active, registered parishioner at Church of the Annunciation, or live within the parish boundaries, the couple can prepare for marriage at our parish, with the pastor’s consent. Otherwise, couples should contact their home or local parish.

• We plan to prepare for marriage outside the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Is this possible? If so, are there additional steps? What are they?

  Yes, you can prepare for marriage outside the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

  There are a few more steps, but these are generally taken care of by the staff. The completed packet will need to be turned into the Bishop of the local (arch)diocese for review and to receive his permission for you to marry outside his diocese. If all the documentation is in order, the packet will be sent to our Chancellor’s office. (The Wedding Coordinator will give you that information when needed.) If documentation is missing, the local Bishop will return the packet to the parish.

  Please note that if your local diocese does not require a class, such as natural family planning (NFP), you will need to take that class and submit the certificate to the staff at your local parish or the Wedding Coordinator at Church of the Annunciation. It will complete the requirements for the local church.

• What does the process for marriage preparation look like at Church of the Annunciation?

  Please refer to the “Steps for Marriage Preparation” below for the general list of expectations.

  Each couple has different needs in their preparation and the Pastor will counsel you. At the end of your first meeting, you will receive a list with the Pastor’s (or Deacon’s) recommendations. All marked items are required (documents). Do not delay in gathering your documents or working on the various requirements for your marriage preparation.

  The wedding coordinator will also receive a copy of this list and contact you via email with contact information and/or links to get more information and to register for classes.

  The wedding coordinator will also set up the premarital inventory — FOCCUS or Prepare/ENRICH —sessions. You will receive links to access your accounts.

  Follow the guidance given you by the Pastor and the wedding coordinator. If you are needing assistance or need clarification, contact the Wedding Coordinator.

Steps for Marriage Preparation

The requirements for your marriage preparation plan will be determined by your pastor or deacon. Whether you are marrying or having your civil, non-Catholic marriage convalidated, you will have to complete all the requirements noted by the pastor. Similarly, if you are preparing at Church of the Annunciation or your home or local parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the requirements are the same.

The staff assisting you will give you direction in collecting all your required documents and marriage preparation program certificates. A “marriage packet/envelope” will be prepared with all your documents. This packet MUST be delivered to our parish SIX weeks before the scheduled wedding date.

The following information is general. Defer to the local priest/deacon assisting you with marriage preparation.

Meet with the Pastor or Deacon.

At the initial meeting with the Pastor or Deacon, you will express your desire to marry. You will complete a “Prenuptial Questionnaire.” Answer the questions truthfully, although it may be difficult. Disclose prior civil, or non-Catholic marriages, if any. If you were asked to bring any documents to this meeting, remember them. They are important.

If you have an impediment to marrying, your wedding will be delayed until the impediment is resolved. Your pastor or deacon will explain this to you.

Complete Pre-Marriage Inventory.

There are two recommended pre-marital inventories used in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: FOCCUS and Prepare/Enrich.

A link with a questionnaire will be sent to each the bride and the groom. (Payment may be due to start the survey.) Answer the questions honestly. Once both have completed the survey, a report will be generated, and meetings with the facilitator, will be scheduled.

Once you have completed your sessions with the facilitator, a certificate will be issued. Turn this into the parish.

Pre-Cana: Classes, Mentor/Sponsor Couple, or Retreat

You will follow the guidance of your priest or deacon regarding this part of marriage preparation. You will need to determine together, which method will be best for the two of you. Do not rush this part unnecessarily and be intentional. Through this time of preparation, Holy Mother Church is providing you, her children, with the tools to enter into solid, life-long, unions with Christ at the center.

Information about the Pre-Cana preparation can be found at the website for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Family Life office.

A certificate or letter stating completion of the class will be issued. Turn this into the parish.

Natural Family Planning

Introductory classes in the various methods of Natural Family Planning are available through the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The parish may have other NFP service providers they may prefer you to use. Your pastor or deacon may also suggest that the bride sign-up for addition sessions and learn how to chart. (Additional fees.)

Collect your documents

The following documents will need to be included in your marriage packet/envelope:

1. Permission Letter from local or home parish stating that the couple is free to to marry outside their parish boundaries.

2. Prenuptial Questionnaire — Completed at your initial meeting with the pastor.

3. Baptism Certificates — The Catholic bride and/or groom must contact his/her parish of baptism and request a baptism certificate with notations (or First Holy Communion and Confirmation). Baptized non-Catholics should also provide a baptism certificate if possible. The baptism certificate must be dated no less than six (6) months before the wedding date.

4. Witness Affidavits of Freedom to Marry — two each for the bride and groom

5. All certificates or letters — FOCCUS or Prepare/ENRICH; Natural Family Planning, Marriage preparation course completion

6. FOCCUS or Prepare/ENRICH — Facilitator or Couple report

7. Marriage License (if marriage convalidation) — both sides of the license