The Marriage Preparation Process is necessary to seek marriage in the Catholic Church.
For couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church, please contact St. Joseph Parish at least six to nine months before your anticipated wedding date to begin the marriage preparation process. Please note, that only the Pastor will discuss and confirm any dates and will only discuss details with the couple.
Parishioners will be given priority over any dates. Outside professional wedding coordinators are not necessary inside the church as the parish provides one to help coordinate the wedding rehearsal and the wedding itself.
Step #1 - Contact St. Joseph Parish before booking your venue. The Church should be the priority. During your first meeting with our Pastor, you will review the following:
Step #2 - Administration of a pre-marital inventory - FOCCUS
Step #3 - Register for a Marriage Preparation Seminar (JFM) or Pre-Cana course for the engaged, see below for current dates. However, during Covid-19 you may choose one of the online options listed below or if the in-person class is full.
The Marriage Group - Online Marriage Preparation & Enrichment Courses
Dates for Joy-Filled Marriage Seminar (JFM) weekends: See below in the next section.
Please inform the parish office of what preparation you are planning on completing.
Step #4 An introduction Session to the natural way (God's plan) for planning a family- NOTE: You may register directly with one of the NFP instructors listed here if you are choosing to do it in person. Online will have that incorporated within the course or you may have to take a separate course by the same company.
Step #5 - Plan the Wedding Liturgy, work with the wedding coordinator of the parish, and pay all fees.
A marriage formation weekend for engaged couples. The Joy-Filled Marriage process is a comprehensive marriage preparation program rooted in virtues as well as the Theology of the Body. The program incorporates rich Catholic theology with sound psychology.
MAY 6-7
JUNE 10-11 (in Spanish)
SEPTEMBER 16-17
To register, visit diokzoo.org/marriage-