In order to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Roman Catholic Church, at least one member of the bridal couple must be a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church. In addition, the Catholic bride or Catholic groom should be practicing their faith by celebrating Sunday Eucharist faithfully and receiving the sacraments (Eucharist and Reconciliation).
NEW MARRIAGE PREPARATION POLICY
Bishop Olmsted has issued a new marriage preparation policy for the Diocese of Phoenix that began implementation on January 1, 2010. There will now be at least a NINE MONTH preparation process prior to the wedding. This extra time is to allow for a more thorough preparation for the sacrament, including the full course in Natural Family Planning. For more information on the new policy you may visit the diocesan website - CLICK HERE.
Catholics wanting to be married at St. Bernard of Clairvaux are expected to be registered members of the Parish (or have parents registered) for at least six months prior to beginning the marriage preparation. After the initial six months, then a wedding date can be reserved. If you are no longer living at home (and your parents are registered at St. Bernard of Clairvaux), you would be expected to be registered in the Parish in which you live, and would complete your marriage preparation and prenuptial file at that Parish.
For more information, please contact Kathy Wolfley at 480-661-9843.