Marriage Preparation Requirements for Parishioners*
of St. Mary of Seven Sorrows Church

While many engaged couples focus on the wedding day,
the Church encourages them to spend their engagement
preparing for a strong, lifelong marriage —
and the responsibilities and challenges that come with it.

 

1. Allow for a minimum of six months for the marriage preparation process (from the first meeting with Fr. Neely to the wedding date)
2. Marriage should take place at St. Mary Catholic Church. Attire must be suitable for church.
3. Couple will meet with Fr. Neely on at least three occasions for pre-marital counseling.
   1. First meeting (2 hours) 
   2. Second meeting (1 hour) to discuss FOCCUS inventory results
   3. Third meeting (1 hour) to plan wedding Mass and other details
4. Marriage Preparation Fee of $50 (payable to St. Mary's) should be paid at/or before first meeting.
5. Couple must attend Natural Family Planning classes. (See submenu for details)
6. Couple must attend Three to Get Married Retreat. (See submenu for details)
7. Rehearsal time for night before wedding must be set with Fr. Neely before scheduled (in case he has other conflict)
8. Send newly-issued Baptismal certificates “with notations” for each person to:

*Parishioners are defined as active, contributing members to the life of the parish for over one year through the gifts of time, talent and treasure.