The Sacrament of Marriage is administered on Friday evenings,
Saturday mornings, or Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., usually in
the Old Church. Diocesan regulations forbid marriage ceremonies in other locations besides
the church or on Sundays or Holydays of Obligation. Either the bride or the groom must be
a member of St. Stephen's Parish. Couples who wish to be married in the Church must:
- Call the rectory at least 12 months before the intended marriage date.
- Arrange an interview with one of the 3 parish priests or Deacon John. If the couple has
a preference for the celebrant of their marriage, they should make the appointment with
that person.
- The priest or Deacon will set the date for the marriage at that time. No marriage will
be scheduled until this interview has taken place. No marriage dates or openings will be
given over the phone.
- If one or both of the parties has been married before, the Church forbids the scheduling
of a marriage until the status of the previous marriage has been clarified by the Church.
Please consult one of the priests about this.
- A recent Baptismal Certificate is required from the Catholic party parties. A Baptismal
certificate is also required of a Non-Catholic Christian.
- After the interview, couples will be expected to attend our Sponsor-Couple Program, or
an Engaged Encounter, which is a weekend retreat for engaged couples lasting from Friday
evening to Saturday afternoon. Other programs are available and can be arranged through
the parish priest or deacon.
- After the preparation, call the priest or deacon to arrange a 2nd interview. The actual
ceremony will be discussed at this time.
If one party is not Catholic, a decision will be made whether to perform the ceremony
during the Mass. It is permissible under certain conditions for a Catholic marrying a
Non-Catholic to have this marriage performed in a Non-Catholic church with a minister
other than a priest, and have this marriage recorded as a Catholic Marriage. The marriage
of a Catholic and a Non-Christian also has special requirements. The priest or deacon can
discuss this matter with you. All of the above conditions must still be followed.
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