The Sacrament of Matrimony
For your first appointment, the couple will meet with a priest or a deacon. You will complete the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry (PNI) which helps to determine your freedom and readiness to marry. The general guidelines and requirements to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony at Santa Clara Parish or Chapel will be explained to you. If there are no complications or impediments, you may reserve the wedding date with a $200 non-refundable deposit. The date must be booked at least six-months in advance.
You will both be asked to provide copies of birth certificates along with recently completed (signed and sealed) certificates of Baptism, First communion, Confirmation. In most cases, an signed and sealed baptism certificate with "Sacramental Notations" will suffice. (Please be aware that if one or both of the parties was baptized out of county, it can take several months to receive an official copies of baptism certificates from the parish of record.)
During this first meeeting, a FOCCUS assessment link will be sent to you to be completed within 30 days.You will schedule a separate meeting or series or meetings to review FOCCUS results with a priest or deacon.
This appointment is scheduled with our wedding document coordinator, Noemi. Certificates of Baptism (updated copy), First Communion and Confirmation are presented. You will also receive information for Catholic Marriage Preparation Retreat (Engaged or Convalidation). Please note that there is an additional cost for this retreat. The wedding date will be reconfirmed and information for selecting readings will be shared with couple. Couple will be reminded about the civil State of California marriage license and to have their Liturgy planning form completed by the third/last appointment. Rehearsal date and time will be given.
This meeting is usually 60-90 days after your first appointment.
Couple must bring Marriage License, proof of Catholic Marriage Retreat and selection of Bible Readings (Liturgy Planning Form). Couple will be reminded about celebrating the Sacrament of Confession. The ceremony must be paid-in-full by this time and no paperwork should be pending. You will also speak in person or on the phone with our music coordinator, Mr Jonathan Teichert, to plan your musical selections.