At Mary Immaculate, we are so excited to walk this journey towards the Sacrament of Matrimony with you.
Here is a simple overview of what you can expect and how we can help support you during this time of marriage preparation.
What is the process?
At Mary Immaculate, at least 6 months before getting married you will schedule a prenuptial interview with your preferred officiant. We are eager to walk this journey with you, and the spiritual guidance of one of our priests is very fruitful for many couples.
After this interview, your preferred celebrant will work with you to select a wedding date.
For more information on our clergy, click here!
Prenuptial Interview
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FOCCUS + Preparation Path
The Director of Family Life will issue the FOCCUS questionnaire. This is online questionnaire addresses important parts of a relationship such as communication, problem-solving, religion, family and friends, careers, cohabitation, parenting, sexuality, finances and more.
After the questionnaire, you will be continue the preparation process with a sponsor couple or through diocesan or online workshops. This phase of the preparation can take up to 4-8 weeks or longer, depending on the circumstances. The Catholic Diocese of Dallas has also added a requirement for a Natural Family Planning (NFP) workshop which must be completed as part of the preparation of the couple’s nuptial file.
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Engaged vs. Convalidation
The path for preparation will be different for couples that are engaged to marry in the Church versus couples that are already married in the civil court and have a desire to get married in the Church. The Family Life Coordinator will make the recommendation taking into account the specific circumstances. Options will be discussed at the time of the pre-nuptial interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No dates are booked or held until the couple has completed the prenuptial interview at Mary Immaculate. To find out what dates are open, contact us!
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Marriage preparation can be overwhelming! At Mary Immaculate, here are the following forms we will need.
Baptismal Certificate with Notations
Bride and Groom will each need to provide a recent copy of their baptismal record. These may be obtained by contacting the church where he or she was baptized. Ask for a baptismal record “with notations.” Baptismal record must be dated within 6 months of the prenuptial interview.
Witness Affidavit to Marry (Freedom to Marry)
Bride and Groom will each need to submit a Witness Affidavit of Freedom to Marry form (provided by the parish). This form must be filled out by a family member or friend who has known the bride/groom since adolescence. A parent is preferred.
Please note: The family member or friend must sign the form in the presence of a priest, deacon or parish employee. This may be done at Mary Immaculate (by appointment only) or at any other Catholic Church that is convenient to the witness. Parish seal must be affixed to the form after signing.
Marriage License
Bride and Groom must provide the parish with a Marriage License issued by the State. Marriage Licenses may be obtained by the couple up to 90 days before, but up to no less than 72 hours before the marriage ceremony. The couple must provide the license to Mary Immaculate by no later than the day before the marriage ceremony.
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We are delighted you are seeking to get your marriage convalidated at Mary Immaculate Church! The Church is here for you, not only to plan your ceremony, but, more importantly, to help you prepare for sacramental married life. The following is a simple overview of what you can expect.
What is the process?
The first step is to schedule a Prenuptial Interview with one of the priests of the parish or with the Director of Family Life.
At the end of the interview, you will work with the staff to select a wedding date.
Turn in the variety of necessary paperwork.
The couple will go through the marriage preparation process designed for couples already civilly married.
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