The Cathecism of the Catholic Church defines the sacrament of matrimony by noting "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament."
Preparation at St. John Fisher Church
St. John Fisher Catholic Church asks couples to enter the parish preparation program at least one (1) year in advance of the marriage date.
As part of the preparation process, the parish must ensure there exist no previous matrimonial bonds that remain in need of annulment. These bonds include both civil and religious unions. Assuming these bonds do not exist, an interview is set up with either a deacon or the pastor. If no impediments are identified in the interview process, the couple is approved for the marriage preparation program. A minimum of three couples are necessary in order for the program to be started. The start date of the program is decided with the marriage preparation program coordinators and participating couples. The preparation program meetings are conducted once a week for 10 or 12 weeks on the date decided by the program group. The program includes a couples retreat. Information concerning the retreat will be provided during the course of the program.
In addition to the above, couples need to provide copies of their baptismal and birth certificates. The baptismal certificate must be dated no more than 6 months prior to wedding date. For example, if the wedding date is scheduled for June, the baptismal certificate cannot be requested any earlier than December of the year prior. Moreover, couples need to obtain a wedding license no more than 30 days before the wedding date. A copy of this license must be provided to the parish no more than 30 days before the wedding date. Upon completion of the wedding ceremony, the certificate will be signed the priest or minister. The certificate is not valid until the priest or minister signs it.
For more information call the parish office at (281) 342-5092. If leaving a message, please note you are inquiring about the marriage preparation program; and leave your name, phone number, and best time to reach you.
Wedding Preparation Program Schedule (based on the 10 week program)
Week 1: All couples in preparation meet and receive an overview of the program, what is expected, and any fees are collected. A Q&A session is held, and then the first topics are presented.
Introduction
The families from which we came
The person I have come to be
Week 2:
Christian marriage is a commitment to constant personal change
Family traditions
Week 3:
Couples who are living together/Sexually active
Sexuality & Intimacy & Parenthood
Week 4: FOCUS test day - all couples will answer a questionnaire. Afterwards, Dcn. Ruben and wife Gloria Torres (or Dec. Hector Rodriguez in Spanish) will schedule to meet each couple to go over the results at an agreed day and time that does not coincide with the regular meeting time.
Week 5: All couples should have their wedding (or convalidation) day set by now, if not, they should set it at this point (especially if they want Fr. Jesse Garcia to witness their vows).
Money matters & career planning
Marital communication
Problem solving
Week 6:
Christian marriage: Essential elements
Marital spirituality
Prayer
Week 7:
Mixed religion marriage…even if you are both Catholic!
Family planning
Decisions of conscience
Week 8: Sometime during the preparation program, the couple must attend a couples retreat. To the extent possible, the parish will schedule and organize one, however, there are several retreat options offered throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Marrying again and stepfamilies
Parenting: forming a new generation
Belonging to the church
Week 9: If the couple is having a mass in which they will exchange their vows, they must schedule a practice meeting with the Pastor to practice the exchange of vows and other details. The couple should also choose the readings for their mass (unless they are exchanging their vows during a regularly scheduled mass). Wedding mass readings can be found here.
Pre-marital covenant & blessing of engaged couples
Planning the wedding ceremony
Week 10: All the couples as well as all the presenters gather for a pot-luck conclusion Party!