Instituted by Christ, the Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman are united in a lifelong partnership of love and fidelity. Through this sacrament, God strengthens husband and wife with His grace to love one another as Christ loves His Church and to build a family rooted in faith, hope, and charity.
Marriage celebrates the love God has for us, made visible in the faithful and self-giving love shared between a husband and wife. It is a holy vocation and a lifelong spiritual journey—one of the most important commitments two people will ever make before God. Through the grace of the sacrament, couples are called to grow together in holiness, support one another through every season of life, and become a living witness of Christ's love for the world.
Marriage Preparation
Preparing for marriage is more than planning a wedding—it is a time of spiritual formation and discernment as a couple prepares to enter into the lifelong covenant of Christian marriage. Through prayer, catechesis, and personal meetings with a priest or deacon, engaged couples are invited to reflect on the meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony and the vocation to which God is calling them.
Parishioners who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Teresa of Avila Parish are asked to contact the priest or deacon of their choice at least six months before their desired wedding date. This allows adequate time for marriage preparation and the completion of all necessary diocesan and parish requirements. Families requesting marriage at St. Teresa of Avila Parish are ordinarily asked to be registered parishioners for at least six months prior to scheduling their wedding.
As part of the preparation process, couples will complete the necessary diocesan and parish requirements, including:
Meeting with the priest or deacon who will accompany you through the marriage preparation process.
Completion of the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry.
Submission of Letters of Freedom completed by witnesses for both the bride and groom.
Completion of the FOCCUS premarital inventory.
A Baptismal Certificate that includes sacramental notations.
A Confirmation Certificate, if Confirmation is not recorded on the Baptismal Certificate.
Completion of an approved Natural Family Planning (NFP) course.
Completion of an approved Marriage Preparation program.
A valid California Marriage License prior to the celebration of the wedding.
Every couple's journey is unique, and marriage preparation is approached with pastoral care and personal accompaniment. Our desire is not simply to prepare you for your wedding day, but to help you build a Christ-centered marriage that will flourish throughout your lifetime.
We look forward to accompanying you as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony and begin your life together in Christ.
For more information or to begin the marriage preparation process, please contact the parish office.