The fact that you want God and His Church to be a part of your marriage is a good sign that you want to take the fullness of marriage seriously.
At Shepherd of the Valley, we want to help your marriage to be blessed. Our marriage preparation process helps couples to understand how God can strengthen your love, learn tools for communication, see the fullness of the sacrament lived out, and live out their marriage in faithfulness. We have at least a six month preparation process, but the earlier you get started, and the less pressed for time you are, the more you will get out of this amazing journey of discernment and preparation for the most important decision you will likely make in your whole life
ThE MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROCESS
Some of the preparation includes:
A meeting with our priest to discuss the process (before you make your appointment make sure you have a new copy of your baptismal Certificate to bring with you - you need this certificate in your possession to make this appointment)
Basic paperwork needed to receive a Sacrament (see above)
If you have a date in mind, that will be discussed (based on availability.) If your is available, and the couple is free to marry, a monetary down can be placed on that date to secure it.
- ENGLISH - Freedom to marry forms found HERE
- SPANISH - Libertad para casarse formas AQUI
a Pre-Marriage Inventory
Participation in our marriage preparation program where you will be paired with a sponsor couple for 3-4 meetings which, of course, has some homework
Attend an Engaged Encounter Retreat (click here to check dates)
Take a Natural Family Planning online course (and read more about NFP here) -- https://learnnfponline.com/ En Espanol tambien!
For a more complete explanation of the Marriage Preparation and Policies, please see the brochure below:
- ENGLISH - Parish Marriage Brochure
- SPANISH - Folleto de Matrimonio
Planning your Ceremony
We will discuss the actual marriage liturgy as we want your marriage to be much more than the day of the wedding. You will need to look over and select the readings that will be used for your wedding. The link below shows the options with a brief commentary. The instructions are given on the first part of the page.
- SPANISH - Lecturas de la Boda en Español
- ENGLISH - English Wedding Readings Options
Other Resources on Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony
If you want more information about the Catholic Christian and Catholic understanding of marriage, please look over the US Catholic Bishops website that discuss marriage. It is an excellent resource.
Archdiocese of Portland Engaged Couple Site ( another great resource and what you may want to know about being married in the church)
FOR MORE INFO or to get started...
PLEASE CALL or Email
The Parish office