• Either the bride or groom (or both) must be Catholic.
• Both parties must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. If this is not the case, we can help you investigate the possibilities.
• One or both parties must reside within the parish boundaries and/or be registered as a parishioner and attend Mass throughout your marriage preparation. Call the parish office to learn more: 972-235-6105.
• Whether you hold your wedding at Saint Paul the Apostle Church or simply participate in your marriage preparation here, we will need several months to get all the preparation completed in time for your wedding date. Depending on your circumstances, everything must be provided to the Diocese 6-14 weeks before your wedding can take place in a Catholic church.

Marriage Preparation

When you reach out to Saint Paul the Apostle, you will set an appointment to meet with a priest (the Pastor or Parochial Vicar) AT LEAST N(NE MONTHS before your desired wedding date. Here is what you can expect you will do:

1. Discuss your background and circumstances. Father will complete the necessary nuptial paperwork to receive approval from our Bishop for you to marry or pursue added steps that may be needed. Both individuals of the couple wishing to marry will need to provide:
   1. A recently issued hard copy of your baptismal certificate with notations.
   2. An affidavit of "freedom to marry" for each of you from one of your parents or an older relative who has known you since early adolescence (this is a particular form we will provide to you). Participants can be long distance, but the affidavit will need to be filled out before a priest, deacon, or parish staff member in the marriage ministry. The bride or groom does not have to be there when the form is filled out.
   3. If other documentation is needed, the priest will advise.

2. Meet with a Marriage Ministry Couple. Together, you will attend Marriage Preparation Sessions facilitated by one of Saint Paul’s Marriage Ministry couples. They are trained in the FOCCUS (REFOCCUS for convalidation) approach that features practical information and advice through the lens of faith. Expect to attend several sessions over several weeks.
    
3. Complete a Natural Family Planning course (online or in person).
    
4. Attend the optional course about Theology of the Body. It is preferred you complete it before your wedding or if needed, within the first six months of your marriage.
    
5. Once you have met with the priest, completed your marriage preparation, Natural Family Planning and Theology of the Body courses, you will return to meet with your priest and provide:
   1. Certification of completion of Marriage Preparation Sessions.
   2. Completed survey rating the Marriage Preparation Sessions
   3. Certification of completion of Natural Family Planning
   4. Certification of completion of Theology of the Body course, and a survey about your experience, if you attend.

Remember, we will want to get everything in order and to our Catholic Diocese up to 14 weeks before your wedding to ensure all is accurately prepared for your marriage.

• Catholic Marriage is unique among other marital relationships because it is a sacrament that makes Christ present in our world. The relationship between husband and wife mirrors the relationship of Jesus Christ for his people. In the Catholic tradition, the husband and wife accept a role in God’s plan for humanity. They are ambassadors of God’s love, and they collaborate with God to keep humanity alive.
• Catholics are required to observe a certain form of marriage ritual in order that their marriage be valid. Put another way, if the couple has entered into a civil marriage and if either spouse is a Baptized Catholic and they were not married in the Catholic Church, then they would need a Convalidation to validate their marriage in the Church.
• It may be that the Catholic who entered into marriage outside the Church did not realize that these requirements existed or could be because one or both of the spouses was not free to marry in the Catholic Church because of a previous marriage or because they were awaiting an annulment. Also, the Catholic partner(s) may not have been active in the Church and did not consider having a Catholic wedding.
• To begin learning more about convalidation, a beautiful way to fully integrate your marriage and your faith, please contact our Pastor Fr. John Szatkowski at 972.235.6105.

More information for ceremonies to take place at Saint Paul the Apostle Church:

• Two settings for a ceremony. 
  • Chapel – This is a beautiful setting for up to 80 people.
  • Church – For 50 to 500 people.
• Church Wedding Coordinator available to help handle the details for a joyful rehearsal and wedding day. She will be the primary liaison between the couple and the parish. The church wedding coordinator will help you with floral and décor, photography, and videography possibilities at the church – and will work with other wedding planners.
• The Parish Center is available for a reception with up to 700 guests. Pricing and terms and visits available through the Parish office staff, 900 Saint Paul Drive, Richardson, Texas, 75080, 972-235-6105.
• Bride’s Room is available for the bride and her attendants’ preparations the day of the wedding.
• Wedding musicians who are familiar with Liturgically appropriate options are available. If you wish to use other musicians, the pastor must approve their plan.