THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
Marriage is a sacrament of vocation in the Catholic Church by which a man and a woman are united for life in a covenantal relationship modeled on the union and love of Christ and the Church. With the support of the community, and the grace of this sacrament, the love of husband and wife becomes more perfect, binds them together in fidelity and helps them in welcoming and caring for children.
The Church shows its pastoral care for the support of marriage by the variety of programs offered to help couples prepare for the celebration of marriage and their lifelong commitment to living it out. The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi offers a program for engaged couples which teaches God’s plan for marriage and the Church’s teaching.
THE STEPS OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
1. INITIAL CALL
Explanation of marriage preparation process; scheduling of wedding; assignment of priest. This must be done via phone or in person at least 6 months before intended wedding date. Contact: Jason Lillis, 919-847-8205 x244, or marriages@stfrancisraleigh.org.
Wedding Deposit and Fee Schedule
2. WEDDING ORIENTATION MINISTRY
Wedding Orientation is the first step in the Marriage Preparation Process. Offered periodically throughout the year, couples will receive a basic overview of the Marriage Preparation requirements, view a power point presentation to help plan for their wedding liturgy, complete forms for the wedding file, meet with the Coordinator of Music, and receive instructions on how to take the online Fully Engaged Review.
Wedding Orientation Session Schedule & Registration
3. MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP
Offered 5 – 6 times a year and is facilitated by married couples. Sessions include expectations & goals of marriage, communication, attitudes about money, sex, children, family and roles in the Church & society.
Marriage Prep Workshop Schedule & Registration
4. Fully Engaged REVIEW SESSION
Engaged couple schedules an appointment with a Fully Engaged Review Couple and meet to discuss the strengths of their relationship & areas of needed growth.
5. BAPTISM CERTIFICATE
Six months prior to the wedding, we must have copies of the bride and groom’s baptism certificates. If baptized Catholic, you must contact your Church of Baptism and request a recently issued baptismal certificate, dated within 6 months of your wedding. If baptized in another Christian Church, a photocopy of your baptismal certificate is sufficient. These certificates/copies should be mailed or delivered to the attention of Terri Layer (919-847-8205 x289).
St. Francis of Assisi
11401 Leesville Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27613
6. MEETING WITH COORDINATOR OF LITURGY AND MUSIC
Engaged couples should attend a Music Orientation to meet Jim Wahl, Coordinator of Liturgy and Music, as the first step in planning the music for the wedding. Music Orientations are offered in conjunction with every Wedding Orientation and are required for couples marrying at St. Francis. Appointments to discuss specific pieces of music with Jim Wahl can be made by contacting Elizabeth Vander Gast at 919-847-8205 x269.
7. MEETING WITH PRIEST OR PASTORAL MINISTER
10 – 12 weeks before the wedding, the couple should schedule an appointment with the St. Francis priest who is marrying them, or the Family Life Coordinator, Jason Lillis (if marrying elsewhere), to complete required diocesan paperwork and finalize their wedding liturgy.
Contacts:
Fr. Mark: 919-847-8205 x224
Fr. Bill: 919-847-8205 x223
Fr. David: 919-847-8205 x261
Jason Lillis: 919-847-8205 x244
7. WEDDING REHEARSAL
Fridays at 4, 5, 6 or 7PM. Volunteer Wedding Directors conduct the rehearsal on Friday evening & direct the Saturday wedding ceremony. Rehearsal time is booked along with the wedding time in the initial phone call.
8. WEDDING
Priest, Coordinator of Music, family and family members assist and celebrate as the couple serves as the ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage!
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