CatholicBrides.com would like to thank the Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago for contributing the following general information.

Please check with your diocese and/or parish, as individual requirements may vary.

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding. You are embarking on a wonderful life time journey. On most journeys it is helpful to have a map, so you stay on the right road. It's no different with the journey you are beginning called marriage.

The Church requires a minimum six month waiting period in order to prepare for your marriage, some dioceses require up to a year. Your parish will be encouraging and helping you every step of the way.

Every Parish throughout North America has established a program for marriage preparation. Although the format may vary from region to region the purpose will be same, that being to aid you in forming a successful marriage that will last a lifetime.

INTRODUCTORY MEETING WITH YOUR PRIEST OR PASTORAL MINISTER

Meet at the rectory or parish with the priest, deacon or pastoral minister before you make any commitments around a date (six months to a year beforehand). Ask for the information about the parish's guidelines for marriage at that location. (Most churches have a small booklet or pamphlet.) Ask for a copy of the "Rite of Marriage" which is your handbook for the liturgical ceremony. Ask about music and how to arrange for musicians and the appropriate music for the ceremony. You may also begin to fill in some of the required papers.

PREMARITAL EVALUATION AND DISCUSSION

There are a few well-designed preparation inventories. Many parishes use FOCCUS or similar instruments as part of the marriage preparation sessions.

(FOCCUS, which stands for "Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study," is a well-accepted marriage preparation inventory. It is designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. It is not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. An inventory is filled out separately by each of you, with the responses: "Yes," "No," or "Unsure" to statements about areas important to marriage.

(**FOCCUS may not be a part of the marriage preparation sessions in your diocese or parish)


CONSULTATION WITH PASTORAL MINISTER

Discuss any issues or concerns raised in your marriage preparation program and review all the details for the ceremony with the priest, deacon or pastoral minister. Complete all papers. Review the decisions you have made for the ceremony. Please keep in mind that the pastoral team at your parish has the last word on what may or may not take place at the ceremony.

WEDDING REHEARSAL

The wedding rehearsal takes place with all the principal people. The principal people are those who have an active role in the ceremony: the bride, the groom, the maid of honor, the best man and other ministers (readers) if the parish has invited you to supply them. Include others as determined with your priest, deacon or pastoral minister.

WEDDING DAY

Congratulations! Your big day is finally here. Enjoy this day with family and friends as you begin your lifetime commitment to one another.