Marriage

The Diocese of San Jose has established guidelines for “Marriage Preparation.” These guidelines acknowledge the significance of marriage and the role of the Church in supporting couples in their preparation for a shared life.

Marriage preparation within the Church involves two key aspects: preparing for married life and organizing the wedding celebration. In light of this, we provide the following information.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

The Church aims to assist couples in their marriage preparation. This process requires time and cannot be completed quickly. Starting the initial arrangements sooner allows couples to engage more thoroughly in their preparation for marriage and to celebrate it within the context of the Liturgy.

1. Couples should set up a meeting with our parish priest at least six months before their tentative wedding date to begin the paperwork and the rest of their marriage preparation. No date can be finalized before this.
2. The date and time of the wedding are not confirmed until you have fulfilled the marriage preparation requirements. The priest who will officiate your wedding will assist you with these procedures; however, it is ultimately your responsibility to complete all necessary documents prior to the wedding.
3. The Liturgy Planning Sheet and the selection from “TOGETHER FOR LIFE” are to be filled out with the help of the priest or wedding coordinator.

requirements:

1. MARRIAGE PREPARATION CLASSES are offered in our Parish. Please contact us for the schedule of classes.
2. INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING www.dsj.org/being-catholic/marriage-in-the-catholic-church/natural-family-planning or call 408.983.0130.
3. FOCCUS – All engaged couples complete the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication & Understanding Study) pre-marriage inventory. This communication tool can help identify any important issues that may affect your future marriage.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. BIRTH CERTIFICATE
2. BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE – must be recently issued by the Church where you were baptized, including notations for the date and Church of First Communion and Confirmation. In cases of interfaith marriages, the non-Catholic party is requested to provide a record of religious affiliation, if available.
3. SELF-TESTIMONY (FORM A) – the personal information form must be filled out by the bride and groom in the presence of a priest or his representative.
4. WITNESS TESTIMONY (FORM B) – a close relative of the bride and groom will complete this form in the presence of a priest or their representative.
5. DISPENSATION FORM- In an interfaith marriage, there is a commitment to have the children baptized and raised in the Catholic faith. The Catholic partner is required to sign a form in the presence of a priest or a designated representative.
6. MARRIAGE LICENSE – You must obtain a Marriage License a month before your scheduled wedding. You will need to bring this with you on the night of the rehearsal. If the ceremony serves as a validation, a copy of the marriage certificate should be provided to the priest preparing the couple.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A $150 deposit is required to secure the Wedding date.

A Wedding Rehearsal will also be scheduled on the availability of the Wedding party. A Wedding Coordinator will be assigned to assist in the Wedding Ceremony preparation. Any information regarding music, flowers, decorations, photography, videography, and other policies on Church use will be provided by the coordinator.

Wedding Coordinators:

English: Ms. Imelda “Mel” Manaloto

Spanish: Mr. Filimon Figueroa and Mrs. Cristina Plascencia

Vietnamese: Mrs. Allison Haro

For more information, contact the Parish Office at (408) 262-8100