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Holy Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement! We look forward to assisting you as you plan for this important celebration of your faith. The Catholic Church puts a high value on marriage. We want couples to have successful marriages that bring them happiness and joy. As with all of the sacraments, adequate preparations are essential if the sacrament is to reach its full potential.
Before any other arrangements can be made, please contact the parish office at least six months prior to the anticipated wedding date to reserve a tentative date for your wedding and to begin the marriage preparation process. A $100 stipend, used for Works of Charity, is required to secure your date on the parish calendar.
(This fee is the consistent for all parishes throughout the Diocese of La Crosse.)
Once a tentative date has been secured, Deacon Art will contact you to begin the required marriage preparation process in accordance with policy established by the Diocese of La Crosse, which will include:
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Completion of a pre-nuptial investigation, to include copies of sacramental records/certificates. Both parties must provide recently issued baptismal certificates (within the last six months) from their parish of baptism. This is to ensure that the record includes all sacramental notations. If you were baptized at either St. Mary of Mount Carmel or St. James church, the parish office will provide this information to Deacon Art for you.
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Completion of a preliminary assessment of readiness for marriage (FOCCUS inventory). Click here to learn more about FOCCUS. The FOCCUS Inventory is designed to help couples explore their relationship, understand each other better, and discuss important topics for their future life together. The inventory is completed online, and then reviewed in person with Deacon Art or a trained couple from the parish. This typically takes 3 to 5 sessions.
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Participation in a Diocesan approved pre-marriage retreat. Couples should register for the retreat day that best fits their schedule. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, which must be submitted to the parish for your marriage file. Click here for more information or to schedule your retreat.
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After completing the above primary components of Marriage Prep, approximately 1 1/2 months before your wedding date, you will meet with Fr. Jerzy - and then approximately 1 month before the wedding date with Deacon Art to select scripture readings and discuss the details of the wedding liturgy.
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A wedding rehearsal will take place the night before the ceremony, usually between 4pm and 6pm.
All fees must be paid before the wedding.
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