Guidelines for Matrimony

Guidelines for Marriage Preparation

We are glad you are interested in getting married. We want to help you in this process. Our first priority is to help you have a beautiful and holy marriage. Even more than a beautiful wedding we want you to have a loving and supportive marriage that is rooted in Christ. There are things that we will ask you to do, but the aim of each of them is to help you to have a good preparation and a healthy marriage.


Normally a couple begins the marriage preparation process at least a year, but no fewer than six (6) months, prior to their wedding. Before you pick a date or book a reception hall please let us be part of the conversation. We ask that the couple offer a donation of $200 dollars to reserve the Church and to cover the preparation process. (If the fee is a hardship, please talk to the pastor.)

Marriage Preparation Process

The marriage preparation process is intended to help couples to discern their readiness for marriage and to prepare for the sacrament of matrimony. It includes the following:

1. Initial Interview

An initial interview with the pastor or his delegate to get acquainted, including an explanation of the requirements for marriage and the marriage preparation process.

2. Meet with Pastor

Setting up marriage preparation meetings where the couple meets with the Pastor or his delegate.

3. Administrative Forms

Completion of the necessary diocesan pre-nuptial forms, including those for permissions and dispensations, if required.

4. Marriage Preparation Weekend

Participation by the couple in a marriage preparation weekend program, whether diocesan, deanery or parish sponsored, or when this is not possible, premarital instruction by the pastor or his delegate.

5. Prepare Liturgical Ceremony

Liturgical preparation for the wedding. Note: As of December 2016 there is a new rite of the Celebration of Matrimony that is in use by the Church. This will entail some differences in the way the Marriage Ceremony will be celebrated. It is important to talk to the Pastor about any questions or ideas that you have with regard to the ceremony.

Note:

There are special guidelines for interfaith and ecumenical marriages, individuals seeking remarriage, couples who cohabit before marriage, premarital pregnancy and teenage marriages. Please discuss these situations with your parish priest.

Marriage preparation retreatsare offered in a variety of locations throughout the diocese. Please check the Diocese of Duluth website for location information. Couples getting married in the Diocese of Duluth must complete all required marriage preparation at least 30 days before their wedding date. This allows the couple time to contemplate the information presented in the marriage preparation program and discern their own readiness to proceed with their plans to marry.

Readings for the Celebration of Marriage

You will need to select one reading from the Old Testament, a psalm, one reading from the New Testament, and a Gospel passage. One of the selections needs to have a * (asterisk) in the summery line. This designates those readings which explicitly speak about marriage. 


The 1st reading is the Old Testament selection which is normally read by a family member or friend of the bride or groom. The Psalm follows and is normally sung by the cantor, but may also be recited if necessary. The 2nd reading is the New Testament selection and is normally read by a family member of friend of the bride and groom. The Gospel passage follow and read by the priest or deacon.

Contact

Fr. Elias Gieske

Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, Holy Family, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches

218-546-6559

fr.elias.gieske@duluthcatholic.org

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