On the threshold of his public life Jesus performs his first sign - at his mother's request - during a wedding feast. The Church ... [sees] that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ's presence (CCC1613).
St. Joseph Marello parish looks forward to serving you as you approach this important Sacrament. Please contact
Fr. Phil at fphil@osjoseph.org or
Deacon Dennis at dennisgorsuch@comcast.net
to begin planning your celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony.
The Catholic Church has established a number of basic requirements for the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. In order to fulfill these requirements, to assure the reception of the Sacrament and to facilitate preparation for the wedding, the Diocese of Sacramento has adopted the following policies:
Initial Contact
Engaged couples must contact their parish at least one year prior to the anticipated wedding date.
Assessment Process
Every couple is asked to participate in an assessment process designed to assist both the couple and priest/deacon in assessing readiness for the Sacrament. The process begins with an interview with the priest or deacon.
Required Documents
• Baptism certificate: the baptism certificate of the Catholic(s) should be issued within the last six months and include any notations regarding other sacraments received. A certificate of baptism is also required of non-Catholic Christians.
• A Pre-Nuptial Inquiry (Form A): to be completed by each of the engaged. This inquiry includes questions regarding one's freedom to marry and one's views on the Sacrament of Matrimony.
• State of California Marriage License: a wedding will not take place without the License.
• Sacrament of Confirmation: If this Sacrament has not been received but can be received without serious inconvenience, the Sacrament should be celebrated before the wedding.
Sacrament of Matrimony Preparation Programs
The couple is to attend the parish marriage preparation program. Participation is to be completed before the wedding date. A certificate of completion is presented to the parish.