• Phase I
  
  1.  Initial Interview
  
  After the Marriage Intake Form is submitted, a meeting with one of  the priests will be set .  At this meeting, the couple’s faith experience, relationship, and understanding of Christian marriage will be addressed. 
  
  
  2. Setting a Wedding Date
  
  The couple’s tentative date can be now made definite. With early contact with the clergy (9-12 months), the couple still have enough time to make arrangements for the wedding day.
  
  If the wedding is to take place at the University Catholic Center, a deposit and a signed copy of the Marriage Policy must be received in order to secure the date and the facility usage.
  
  Phase II
  
  1. Premarital Assessment
  
  In order to provide the best possible preparation and discernment, the couple is asked to take an online pre-marital assessment (FOCCUS or Prepare/Enrich). The results of the assessment will be discussed with in a manner that has been shown to effectively reduce later marital conflicts and to improve relationship satisfaction.
  
  In some cases, counseling and evaluation may be needed. These will be reviewed with the couple and a mutual decision will be reached. For most couples, the assessment will lead to a mutual decision to proceed. If a delay is indicated, special procedures will be worked out with the couple.
  
  2. Attend a Marriage Retreat/Workshop
  
  This retreat focuses on several significant topics in the context of a Catholic marriage, such as faith, communication, intimacy, stewardship, etc. 
  The couple is required to participate in any of the following:

  • “Together in God’s Love” retreat with the Diocese of Austin.
  • “Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend”: These weekends are held around the country in various dioceses.

  3.  Take a Natural Family Planning (NFP) Course 
  
  NFP promotes true freedom as spouses learn to understand, accept, and cherish each other, including their fertility, and to plan their family in cooperation with God’s design. Please visit the website of the Diocese of Austin for classes. 
  
  4.  Submit Other Required Documents
  
  Throughout the marriage process, the priest will obtain the following documents from the couple:

  • Baptismal certificate(s) for bride and groom if baptized. If Catholic, baptism certificate need to be recently issued within 6 months of the wedding. 
  • Copies of First Communion and Confirmation certificates (if not notated on the Baptism certificate)
  • Affidavit of Free Status (2 per person)
  • Civil Marriage license if the wedding will take place at the University Catholic Center
  • Marriage certificate if the couple has been civilly married before
  • Other forms, as needed.

  5.  Suggested Donation

  • The suggested donation for preparation and marriage at the Catholic Center is $800, to cover the cost of materials and facilities.
    • This donation does not include stipends for the liturgical musicians. Please see the section on music.
  • The suggested donation for couples who are being prepared at the Catholic Center for marriage elsewhere is $200.
  • While not required, a personal stipend to the priest celebrating the wedding is accepted.

  
  Phase III
  
  1. Plan Your Wedding Liturgy
  
  The couple will meet with the priest or deacon who will preside at the wedding liturgy and witness their exchange of vows. At these meetings all the plans and details of the rehearsal and the wedding should be discussed. The wedding coordinator (if one will be utilized) should be involved in these details.
  If the wedding is taking place at the University Catholic Center, all ceremony plans must be approved by our staff. For music, please contact Dr. Benjamin Cox.
  
  2. After the Wedding
   
   The University Catholic Center cares about you not only while you prepare for marriage but also after you are married. We’d recommend you to make notes of the following programs that help you continue to enrich your married life together.

  • The Office of Family Life of the Diocese of Austin offers valuable services that affirm the sacredness of life, the sanctity of marriage, the sacramentality of the family and a Christian lifestyle. 
  • For Your Marriage