Holy Matrimony

NFP Session Registration

Things to note before you get started:

• The marriage preparation process typically takes 6-8 months. 
  (If the marriage rite will take place in another parish, please allow an additional two months.)

• Only make arrangements for your wedding reception AFTER scheduling your wedding liturgy with the Church.

What to expect:

Step 1:  Attend a Marriage Orientation session, typically held on the 2^nd Sunday of each month in the main office building.

                  English – 12:45 pm                       Spanish – 2:45 pm

NOTE: You will be provided with a booklet entitled ‘Planning a Wedding at CGS’. Please read it thoroughly. This is your detailed guide for how everything is done, including wedding dress rules.

Step 2: Complete the ‘Engaged Couple Pre-Marriage’ form online.

Step 3:  The CGS Wedding Coordinator will contact you to set up a meeting with a member of the Clergy (Priest or Deacon.)

Step 4:  Meet with your Clergy:

• Complete the Archdiocese’s ‘Prenuptial Questionnaire’ 
• Discuss ‘Witness Affidavits’
• Decide if your wedding will take place during a Mass, or outside of Mass (your Clergy can provide guidance on this.)
• Agree on a date and time for the wedding (based on the availability of the Church and the Clergy.)

NOTE: Only make arrangements for your wedding reception AFTER scheduling your wedding liturgy with the Church.

Step 5:  You will be sent a link to an online survey from ‘Fully Engaged’. Upon completion of this survey, a licensed counselor from Rejoice Counseling will meet with you.

Step 6:  Continue to meet with your Clergy.

Step 7:  Attend a Natural Family Planning (NFP) session.

Step 8:  Begin meeting with your assigned Sponsor Couple. (Typically there will be 5-6 sessions.)

Step 9:  Begin collecting the required documents:

• Provide Bride and Groom’s sacramental records (Must be issued within 6 months of the wedding.)
• Turn in 4 ‘Witness Affidavits’
• Secure any Dispensations, if necessary.

Step 10: Meet with your Clergy to begin planning your wedding liturgy using the booklet ‘Together for Life’. Also work with your Clergy to complete the ‘Wedding Planning Sheet’.

Step 11: Purchase your Marriage License within 90 days of the wedding and give it to your Clergy.

NOTE: The State of Texas will give you a discount on your marriage license fee if you provide them with a certificate showing that you completed the Sponsor Couple program.

Step 12: Contact the Music Ministry to plan the music selections for your wedding liturgy.

Step 13: Final meeting with your Clergy

Step 14: Rehearsal

Step 15: Celebration of the Rite of Holy Matrimony!