-
Congratulations on your engagement! As you are taking your first step on the path of love, we are here to assist you on your journey.
Completion of the following steps provides you with the necessary preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Diocese of Phoenix mandates a nine-month preparation process effective January 1, 2010.
Step 1: Meet with your Pastor (Before you set a wedding date)
Please call the Parish Office at 480-661-9843 to schedule an appointment.
Step 2: Marriage Preparation Inventory
When: As soon as possible after meeting with your parish priest.
The Marriage Preparation Inventory is called the FOCCUS at St Bernard of Clairvaux. FOCCUS is now offered online. Please email Ryan Ayala at rayala@stboc.org with the following information: Bride and Groom Full Name, Address, Home and Cell Number, Email, Wedding Date, Location of Wedding and Priest you are working with.
Step 3: Married Life Skills Training
When: 7-8 months before the wedding
Love for Life Engaged Weekend - The Diocese offers classes at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix and at other locations. Registration is available online
at https://phxmarriageprep.org/step-3 ($135)
Step 4: God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage
When: 6-8 months before the wedding
Registration is available online at https://phxmarriageprep.org/step-4 ($85)
Step 5: Natural Family Planning Instruction
When: 4-6 months before the wedding
You may find classes offered by the Diocese at https://phxmarriageprep.org/step-5 ($130).
Step 6: Sacrament of Reconciliation
When: Before the wedding, as necessary
Step 7: Final Meeting with your Pastor
When: 4-6 weeks before the wedding
At this point you will be ready to think about your wedding liturgy.
At St. Bernard’s, we have wedding coordinators and the wedding music coordinator available to meet and assist you with the liturgy.
Click on this link to download and print the FAQs for Marriage Prep
For more information, check out the new website created by the Diocese of Phoenix: https://phxmarriageprep.org