Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Today's Reading from the New American Bible

Preparation for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage

If you have any questions, please contact Anne and Bob Funkhouser at marriage@staugustine.cfcoxmail.com

Preparation for marriage is not just for the wedding day, when family and friends gather to witness and celebrate the commitment the bride and groom make to each other; it is the beginning of the life-long work required of a couple for a growing marriage.  Through the lived Sacrament that you administer to one-another, you become a witness to others of Christ’s love for His Church.

The parish community of St. Augustine is committed to supporting you in living out your Sacrament during your marital journey.

ST. AUGUSTINE PARISHIONERS MUST BE REGISTERED in the parish to participate in the preparation process. You may complete a registration form in person or submit an online registration via this link in order to register with the parish or update your information (join the two parishioners as one family in the database).

IF EITHER OF YOU HAVE BEEN IN A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE, whether married  in the Church or by any other civil or religious authority, discussion with a priest will be required before beginning the preparation process.

Step I: Eight Months Before the Wedding

1. MEET WITH A PARISH PRIEST.  No firm date may be set until the decision to proceed has been made by the priest. 
   
   When the decision to proceed has been determined, wedding and rehearsal dates should be logged in the parish schedule book by the priest.  Times available for weddings are:
   
   SATURDAYS - 10:00,  10:30, or 11:00 A.M.; 2:00, 2:30, or 3:00 P.M., and 7:30 P.M.
    

2. ATTEND A MARRIAGE PREPARATION INTRODUCTORY SESSION TO COMPLETE the KEIRSEY TEMPERAMENT SORTER, FOCCUS, and/or OTHER APPROPRIATE INSTRUMENTS.  Call 352-372-3533 to register.  These personality and assessment inventories identify differences,  raise questions, identify relationship strengths and areas needing growth.  These instruments should be completed and reviewed before attending Engaged Encounter or Pre Cana.

   FOCCUS  REVIEW SESSIONS.  The initial review appointment is scheduled at the Introductory Session.  During the FOCCUS review appointments (average of two), premarital documentation (shown below) should be provided to the Marriage & Family Office for your file, and commitment to the Education & Enrichment Options you will attend must be made.
   
   A JOURNEY (Prayer) COUPLE from the parish will be assigned to pray for you after you attend the Introductory Session.
    

3. IF GETTING MARRIED AT ST. AUGUSTINES, AFTER THE INTRODUCTORY SESSION,  SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS TO MEET WITH:
   
   THE LITURGY DIRECTOR to plan the rehearsal and ceremony before meeting with  a  florist or photographer.  The celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage is under the direction of the parish Liturgy Director and the Priest Celebrant; therefore, no wedding or bridal consultant is necessary at the church.  For more information, contact Letty Valentin at letty@staugustine-uf.org
   
   THE MUSIC DIRECTOR to plan the music for the ceremony.  Music guidelines for wedding liturgies are consistent with those of all liturgical services in the parish.  Secular music is not appropriate for this sacramental occasion.  The parish provides a Cantor and Accompanist for weddings.  The Music Director coordinates arrangements for musicians. For more information, contact Nansi Carroll at nansicarroll@cox.net

Step II: During the Sixth Month Before the Wedding

    4.    DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR MARRIAGE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH should be provided to the Marriage & Family Office by the    
completion of the FOCCUS review.  Failure to present documents for your file in a timely fashion could jeopardize the wedding date. 

a.  BAPTISM CERTIFICATES - Catholics must furnish a current Baptismal Certificate, issued within 6 months of the wedding date.  Baptized non-Catholics should furnish a copy of their Baptism Certificate. 

b.  CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATE - Furnished by Catholics 

c.  FREEDOM TO MARRY(two for each) - Sworn, notarized statements, usually by parents, if living, that you  have never been married before and have no impediments to marriage in the Catholic Church. 

        d. PARENTAL PERMISSION - If either party is under eighteen. 

        e. DISPENSATION - For Interfaith couples, a signed declaration or promise (signed in front of a priest) by the Catholic party concerning intent to remain a Catholic and to share that faith with children born of the marriage (this means baptizing and raising children Catholic).

    5.    MEET WITH PRIEST a second time to continue spiritual preparation.  NOTE:  A written autobiography may be assigned by the priest to aid you in a better understanding of yourselves and your relationship with each other.  This should be given to the him at least one week before your  scheduled  appointment..

Step III: Following the FOCCUS Review Sessions

    6.    CONTINUING PREPARATION ACTIVITIES

a. SPIRITUAL FORMATION:    The Church encourages each couple to devote time and effort to spiritual activities that will enhance them and their relationship with God.  This focus, for Catholics and non-Catholics, could embrace participation in Scripture reading, workshops, liturgies, and activities to explore a deepening understanding of faith.

b. EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT: To be determined before the end of the FOCCUS review.

1).        ENGAGED ENCOUNTER, a weekend program held at our Diocesan Retreat Center, Marywood, in Switzerland,         Florida, provides dialogue opportunities on various topics relating to a marital relationship. See insert for dates and register on-line at:  http://www.dcfl.org/ or call 904-308-7474 at least 2 months before date desired.  Please take & review FOCCUS at St. Augustine’s before attending.*

OR

2).        PRE CANA is an 8-hour Saturday program sponsored by the Diocesan Center for Family Life.  See inserts for dates and register on-line at:   http://www.dcfl.org/ or call  904-308-7474 at least 2 months before date desired.   Please take & review FOCCUS at St. Augustine’s before attending.*

OR

3).        MARRIAGE  PREPARATION COUPLE PROGRAM - promotes dialogue on a variety of issues encountered in married life by working with a parish-trained married couple and workbooks which are available by contacting the Marriage & Family Office.  Registration is through the Marriage & Family Office according to the availability of parish couples and at least 4 months before your wedding.

4).        NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING - Referrals will be made for NFP.  Information about classes, certified instructors and links to five models can be found at: http://www.dcfl.org, Click on “Natural Family Planning” on the left-hand side of the web page:  http://www.dcfl.org/

5).        EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES - Referrals for growth counseling, relationship skills workshops and/or counseling for specific issues related to alcoholism, physical or sexual abuse will be made as needed.

*NOTE:      Engaged Encounter and Pre Cana Programs are available in other dioceses in Florida and throughout the U.S.  Contact the Marriage & Family Office for referral information.

Step IV: Two Months Before the Wedding

A DONATION TO THE PARISH FOR PREPARATION should be prayerfully and responsibly considered and submitted to the parish two months before the wedding.  This helps to defray expenses incurred by the parish as you prepare for your marriage.  A minimal contribution is $375 if your wedding is at St Augustine’s, $175 if elsewhere, and $100 for the Priest.  Financial concerns can be discussed with the preparing Priest. 

A MARRIAGE LICENSE FOR THOSE MARRYING IN FLORIDA, valid for 60 days anywhere in Florida, may be obtained at Alachua County Courthouse (374-3623), 201 E. University Avenue, Room 114 ,  Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or from another Florida county.   Bring a picture ID, Social Security #.  In order to qualify for the reduced license fee, also bring a Certificate of Completion of a Marriage Preparation course provided by a registered provider of the Clerk’s office.  The fee may be paid in cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard , or cashier’s check.  Please be sure that you provide the license to the priest on the day of your wedding. 

CONTACT the MARRIAGE & FAMILY OFFICE at 352-372-3533, or E-Mail: marriage@staugustine.cfcoxmail.com   to be sure that your file is complete.

Step V: One Month Before the Wedding

    7.     IF MARRYING AT ST. AUGUSTINE’S, CONTACT the Priest Celebrant to go over last-minute details or concerns. 

A REMINDER - NO AISLE RUNNERS ARE TO BE USED, OR RICE, BIRD SEED OR PAPER THROWN due to the danger of slipping and because of untidiness.  Please advise your family and friends about this parish policy.

Marriage Preparation Timeline

After the Wedding

A variety of growth and support opportunities are available in the parish and diocese to enhance and foster growing marital and family relationships.  These opportunities include monthly Anniversary Blessings, Annual Renewal of Vows, Bible Study, Adult Education, Young Married Group, Marriage Renewal, communication & relationship skill workshops, retreats, and growth counseling.  Please watch the bulletin for information.

Be assured of our prayers and support as you embark on your journey!