Marriage Preparation

Congratulations on your engagement! We look forward to celebrating your marriage with you! This process involves several steps and encompasses the new Marriage Preparation policy adopted by the Diocese of Phoenix in January, 2010. For a review of that policy, please go to www.OurCovenantOfLovePHX.org.

In the meantime, here is some important information regarding the steps couples need to take if they wish to hold their weddings at our Catholic Community of St. Rose and The Mission of the Good Shepherd:

1. Initial Interview: The first step is to meet with Deacon John D'Amico who will review the preparation process with you and the documentation required. You can also discuss setting a wedding date at this time. Please contact Deacon John at 623-465-9740 ext. 152, or by email at [email protected] to set up your appointment.
2. Complete the FOCCUS Inventory: This inventory - Facilitating Open Couple Communication - gives us an opportunity to look at all facets of marriage. It is a helpful tool that is computer-scored at the Diocese and then sent back for review. At this time, you will meet again with Fr. Muir to discuss the inventory.
3. Gather the Necessary Documents:
   • For Catholics: The party(ies) are asked to secure copies of their baptismal certificates. This must be a current copy requested six months prior to marriage. Simply call the parish of your baptism and ask them to send you a copy of the certificate or have it sent directly to Fr. Muir at the Parish Office.
   • For non-Catholics: If the non-Catholic is a baptized Christian, we will need a certificate or letter from the Church of Baptism verifying the date. If the non-Catholic is not a baptized Christian, no documents are required.
4. Required Preparation Courses:
   • The Diocese requires that you attend a weekend Pre-Cana Course. There are various types of Pre-Cana Programs, which will be explained during your meeting with the Pastor. You can choose the one that meets your needs.
   • The Diocese requires that you attend a course entitled "God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage." You can register for this course by going to www.OurCovenantOfLovePHX.org.
   • Natural Family Planning: The Diocese requires that a couple attend an introductory session on Natural Family Planning (NFP) so that there is knowledge of the Church-approved means of planning families. You may, if you wish, choose to register for the full course to learn the NFP method of family planning. Please go to www.phxnfp.org to see the full schedule of Natural Family Planning courses available and register online.
5. Additional Documentation:
   • Deacon John will review additional documents with you, including one that states your intention to marry and one stating that you are free to marry. As mentioned, if you are Catholic, please secure a recent copy of your baptism certificate from the church in which you were baptized.
   • If your marriage is a mixed marriage, the Catholic party is asked to sign a form stating that they will continue to practice their Catholic faith and do their best to have the children raised Catholic.
   • Be sure to get a copy of your marriage license from the State of Arizona. There is normally a three-day waiting period, so be sure to secure it a few weeks before the actual marriage.
6. Preparing for the Marriage Ceremony:
   • You will be given a book, "Together for Life," which will help you prepare for the actual marriage ceremony.
   • While gathering your documentation and planning other areas of your wedding, please call Matt Ficarra, our Liturgy and Music Director, at 623-465-9740 ext. 106. He will assist you in planning the music for your wedding. You may choose to bring in musicians of your own rather than use our musicians, but your music plan needs to be approved.
   • Fees: The fee for holding your wedding ceremony in our Spirituality Center or at The Mission of the Good Shepherd is $150. If music is to be provided by Matt Ficarra, the fee for his services is $150. Wedding reception availability and costs vary based on what your facility requirements will be, and should be discussed with the Pastor as you meet to plan your wedding.

Please know that we are here to make your wedding day a very special day. Should you have any questions, or if we can assist you in any way, please call the St. Rose Parish Office at 623-465-9740. We extend blessings to you both as you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage.

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