The Sacrament of Marriage
A couple wishing the receive the Sacrament of Marriage MUST contact the parish priest at least SIX MONTHS prior to the wedding date as there are many preparations that need to be completed before the celebration.
The first requirement is to investigate whether the couple is free to contract a marriage. If either was previously married it is necessary to establish their freedom to marry again. This will be discussed when you meet with the priest the first time.
There are marriage preparation classes that MUST be attended. There are two to choose from in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. One, which is highly recommended, is the Engaged Encounter Weekend. It is held at the Oblate Retreat Center on Blanco Road. Reservations and deposit must be made in order to receive a confirmation. The retreat begins on Friday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. This is an opportunity to remove you from the multiple distractions that surround a couple as they prepare for marriage. It is spiritually uplifting! The second option is the Pre-Cana Journey, which is held Monday through Friday in the evenings for two hours. Either will suffice. The church office will give the necessary contact information for each of these programs.
There is a need for a CURRENT COPY (dated in the same year of your proposed marriage) of your BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE with NOTATIONS. This means any sacraments that have been received will be noted on the back of that certificate, as they are forwarded to your church of baptism for entry. If one of the couples is non-Catholic then we ask for some form of proof of their baptism into their particular faith.
There will be sessions scheduled with the couple and the presiding priest when convenient for both.
Music used for the wedding MUST be liturgically approved selections that complement the theology of marriage. Secular selections may be used prior to the beginning of the ceremony as long as they are in good taste. This will be discussed when meeting with the musicians (s).
