Getting Married at St. Francis Xavier

"Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end".
(St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians)

Congratulations on your engagement! We, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Community, are pleased to assist you with your plans for a meaningful and prayerful wedding celebration.

Your first meeting will be with our Marriage Preparation Coordinator, Deacon Bill DeMarco, and he will guide you through the steps you must take and answer your questions, and give you all the necessary information for the preparation of your wedding day. There are some steps that must be taken through the whole preparation, and Deacon Bill makes himself available for questions and help throughout the whole planning process. Deacon Bill will help your wedding day be a very happy and special moment in your life. There is much less stress in doing all the planning when you have a friend like Deacon Bill working with you!

You will be asked to provide a copy of your baptismal certificate (issued no longer than six months), which records all the Sacraments you have received. You must also sign a statement that you were never married before either in the Catholic Church or in another denomination. If you have been married before, Deacon Bill will provide you with the necessary information with continuing with the process of preparation for your wedding. For those baptized in another Christian faith, a copy of the original certificate will suffice.

The next step is taking the FOCCUS inventory. Both you and your fiancé will take this inventory which helps you to better understand each other and to enter into greater communication as you approach the sacrament of matrimony. After the FOCCUS inventory, you and your fiancé will meet with our Marriage Counselor to discuss any important issues that need care and attention and/or clarification.

Couples are required by the Diocese of Phoenix to attend an Engaged Encounter and a class in Natural Family Planning. Please give the certificates of completion to Deacon Bill as all of the necessary paperwork for your preparation is kept in our church files, or sent to the parish where your wedding will take place. A month before the wedding, couples meet with our organist/liturgist to plan their liturgies and the priest or deacon who is witnessing your wedding. About a month before your marriage ceremony you will also be meeting with our Wedding Coordinator, Maureen Ferry, who will walk you through your wedding rehearsal. She will also provide you with instructions and accepted church environment and decorations. Maureen will be present on your wedding day to assist and guide you and your bridal party by answering any of your questions and concerns, in keeping your wedding day being that happy and special moment in your life.

Finally, you must obtain a civil marriage license from the State of Arizona. No marriage can be performed without a license, and the priest or deacon in Arizona signs the license as a minister of the church and of the state in Arizona.

Again, welcome to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Faith Community and blessings on you as you prepare for your wedding day!