Sacrament of Matrimony
Walking with you in faith, love, and joy as you prepare for a lifetime together in Christ.
Preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony
At St. Patrick Catholic Church, we believe marriage is far more than a legal agreement—it is a Sacrament, a sacred covenant where two become one in Christ. Through this beautiful union, God becomes the source and strength of your love, commitment, and shared life.
Our marriage preparation process is designed to help you discover the depth of God’s plan for your relationship and to walk with you as you prepare to live this covenant joyfully and faithfully.
To begin:
Please do not set a wedding date—or make commitments to reception venues, photographers, etc.—until you have confirmed your wedding date with the church.
Complete the Marriage Preparation Intake Form. This helps us get to know you and your needs as a couple.
Our Marriage Ministry Coordinator will contact you to schedule your initial conversation, a welcoming time to meet, share your story, and walk through the preparation process together.
Preparation takes time. Every couple’s journey is unique, but most take 8–9 months to complete the process.
Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or new to our parish family, we welcome you with open hearts. Here, you will be supported, prayed for, and guided—because our mission is to help you feel welcome, feel loved, receive Jesus, and know that you are part of the family.
Marriage Preparation
Meetings with the Marriage Ministry Coordinator:
Your journey begins with our Marriage Ministry Coordinator, who will warmly guide you through the first steps, including:
- Taking time to get to know you as a couple and hear your story.
- Walking you through the Prenuptial Questionnaire with care and clarity.
- Receiving and organizing your required documents.
- Placing your wedding date on the parish calendar once readiness is confirmed.
- Sharing reading materials and formation opportunities to strengthen your faith and relationship.
- Finalizing necessary paperwork so you can focus on the joy of your upcoming marriage.
Your Journey Begins With:
Marriage Discernment Class or Retreat
To deepen your understanding of the Sacrament of Matrimony and the beauty of the Wedding Rite, you and your fiancé will take part in a Marriage Discernment experience. This can be completed in one of three ways:
- Marriage Discernment Class with a mentor couple here at the parish
- In-Person Retreat through the parish or diocese
- Approved Online Retreat (if in-person attendance is not possible) through catholicmarriageprep.com or The Marriage Group
Over the course of multiple sessions, you will explore topics ranging from the theological—What is marriage? What is its purpose?—to the practical—How will we manage our finances? How do we nurture a healthy relationship?
This formation is not just about learning; it is about growing together in Christian living. Through prayer, conversation, and guided reflection, you will discover how to root your relationship firmly in Christ and prepare for a lifetime of faith-filled love.
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
As part of your marriage preparation, you will learn about Natural Family Planning—a beautiful way for couples to live out God’s design for married love.
This class covers both the theology of sexual intimacy—especially the call to be open to life—and the practical knowledge of how to prayerfully and prudently space your children in harmony with Church teaching.
NFP is often included in our own Marriage Preparation Course. If it is not, you will need to take it separately, either through the Diocese of Austin or an approved online provider.
Whether taken in person or online, this formation will help you grow in understanding, communication, and unity as you embrace God’s plan for your marriage and family.
Marriage Preparation – Required Documents
As part of preparing for your wedding, certain documents are needed so the Church can joyfully and properly celebrate your marriage. Gathering these early will help the process flow smoothly.
Sacramental Records
- Newly issued Baptismal Certificate with notations, dated within 6 months of the start of marriage preparation
- Certificates for other sacraments you have received (if not already listed on your baptismal certificate)
- Two affidavits per person (four total)
- Must be completed in the presence of clergy or another designated person assigned by the pastor
Prenuptial Questionnaire
- Completed together with the Marriage Ministry Coordinator during your preparation process
Marriage Licenses & Other Civil Documents
- If not currently civilly married: Bring a new marriage license one month before your wedding
- If currently civilly married: Provide your current marriage license
- If you have been civilly married before: Provide copies of prior marriage license(s) and divorce decree(s)
- If you have been married in the Church before: Provide Declaration(s) of Nullity or the death certificate of your prior spouse
Special Note for Weddings Outside the Diocese:
If you plan to marry outside the Diocese of Austin, please speak with our Sacraments Coordinator as early as possible. Your marriage packet must be prepared and arrive at the designated parish three months before your wedding date.
These steps ensure that your marriage is celebrated with both joy and proper care, honoring the sacred nature of your vows.
