The marriage preparation programs which the parish recommends are ‘Partners for Life’ and ‘FOCCUS’ both run by CatholicCare Broken Bay.
Partners for Life is a Friday evening/Saturday program which provides an opportunity within a relaxed group environment to strengthen the unique relationship of the couple. There is plenty of time for the couple to explore ways to enrich their relationship and attain knowledge and skills for the years to come.
FOCCUS is for individual couples and includes an in-depth, user friendly questionnaire and two sessions with a trained facilitator.
For bookings or enquiries for both programs contact CatholicCare on 9488 2400.
Thinking of Getting Married?
10 things you should know
The decision to marry is one of the most significant decisions in life. Since it effects both State and Church there are certain requirements to be fulfilled:
1. Provide: Appropriate Documents:
- Birth Certificates or extracts
- A recently issued Certificate of Baptism for Catholics (available on enquiry from the Catholic church where you were baptised). The same or original Baptism Certificates for Christians of other denominations.
- For those under 18 years old, a signed consent from parents and an order from a Judge or Magistrate.
- Death Certificate of former spouse,
- Decree of Nullity/Dissolution,
- Decree of Divorce, if applicable.
2. Complete:
Official State and Church documents with the celebrant.
3. Engage in a Marriage Preparation Programme.
This entails a seminar of approximately eleven hours duration and is conducted by trained and married educators.
Enquiries through CatholicCare, Booking is essential. Ph 9488 2400
Visit the Diocesan page on Preparing for Catholic Marriage
4. Booking the Church
This should be done at least 6 months prior to the wedding. It is normal to give more than six months notice to the priest who you will ask to officiate at your wedding.
5. Times for Weddings:
Ceremonies may be arranged for any day except Sunday and Holy Saturday. On Saturdays, the latest starting time is 4 p.m.
6. Ceremony of Marriage:
Each couple is encouraged to prepare their own individual celebration with the help of the celebrant - choosing readings, prayers, etc. there are two different celebrations:
(1) Nuptial Mass, i.e. the ceremony of marriage within a Mass offered with and for the couple. The assumption is that a couple requests it because Mass is important to them, and they intend to make regular Mass attendance part of their family life. This importance is, of course, obvious and easily proven because they have been faithful to their worship with the parish community.
(2) Marriage Ceremony, i.e. the ceremony within a Scripture - Prayer Service. This is strongly recommended in cases where church going has not been a part of a person's formative years or where a Catholic is marrying a person from another Christian tradition.
7. Witnesses:
Law requires two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the marriage certificates and the register.
8. Music:
Some songs do not display the basic character of Christian love, that is, the self-giving which goes beyond the physical and emotional level and are not appropriate to reflect what is being celebrated in this Sacrament. If in doubt, consult the celebrant. The parish is able to refer you to organists or music groups. It is helpful to distinguish between music to accompany the church service and the music appropriate for the reception and post-church celebrations.
9. Offerings and Booking Fees:
There is a booking charge of $450.00 for the use of either of our Churches at Balgowlah or Manly Vale which includes a refundable deposit. In addition, it is customary to make an offering to the Celebrant for thier time and preparation of your wedding ceremony. Musician and Organist fees need to be arranged separtely.
(The Parish facilities are maintained by the financial contributions of those who worship regularly in this church and who give money via the Sunday collections or the envelope giving system. Persons who do not make such regular contributions to the recurrent running costs of the church are expected to make a contribution to the church on this occasion. The Priest would normally devote a number of hours to the couple and the occasion. A donation in recognition of this would normally be comparative to that expected by a civil celebrant.)
10. Other Matters:
Flowers, confetti, video and photography must be discussed with the celebrant before arrangements are made.
Permission to video and for photography must be obtained from the priest celebrant during the time of preparing for the wedding.Permission will only be granted to those who agree to follow the minimal requirements needed for a sacred ceremony.
The above having been said, this community is happy to assist you in planning your wedding. A good approach is to make an appointment to met with a priest to discuss how best your wedding may reflect the dream you have for a permanent relationship in marriage.