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There are several steps to marriage preparation. Those who are engaged have already begun the process through courtship and the promise to marry each other. The Catholic Church believes that matrimony is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ Jesus. In order to help you continue this preparation SVdP requires a six month time of discernment to aid you in assessing your readiness, strengths and weaknesses and personal faith. It is imperative that you contact our wedding coordinator, 713-663-3535, as soon as you have decided to marry. All requests for dates and times are handled on a first come first served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage
1. What do I need to do to get married in the church?
In order to be married in the Catholic Church one must be free (not already married or in a vowed religious life) of sufficient age, one of the parties must be Catholic, and intend to enter a marriage for life, to be open to children and to be faithful.
2. Can I be married at St. Vincent de Paul even if I am not a registered member?
Yes, you can celebrate your wedding here as long as you are free to marry. (If there is a prior marriage by either a Catholic or non-Catholic, it must be addressed first).
3. Can I receive marriage preparation at St. Vincent de Paul even though I plan to marry in my hometown?
Yes, if you live within our parish boundaries or are registered in our parish.
4. If my spouse is not Catholic, can we get married in a Catholic Church?
If one of the parties is not Catholic you may celebrate your marriage at SVdP. The same conditions apply as in number 1. In addition, the Catholic must promise to remain a practicing Catholic and promise to all in her or his power to baptized and raise all of the children in the Catholic faith.
5. If my spouse is of another faith, and he/she wishes to marry in that church, will the Catholic Church recognize my marriage. You may marry in another sacred place but permission must be obtained from the Archbishop's office. Your priest or deacon will help you with this.
6. What do I need to do to see about availability of a date that I have in mind?
Call the parish office and speak to the Marriage Coordinator or the Deacon. Weddings are scheduled on Saturday at set times of 10:30 AM, 2 PM, & 7 PM. Rehearsals are scheduled the evening before date of wedding.
7. Is their a fee for marriage?
As with everything else, there are costs associated with keeping our parish church operational and properly maintained. Fees help to defray the expenses of hosting your wedding.
8. What do you do for marriage preparation at St. Vincent de Paul?
The first appointment is set with the wedding coordinator who reviews with you St. Vincent's marriage preparation program. If you wish to set a date, a non-refundable $300 maintenance fee is given. A Foccus Couple Inventory is administered at this time or an appointment is set to do so. (Foccus is a communication tool used for individual discussions with a priest or deacon. Topics such as Finances, Sexuality, Life Style, Friends and Interests, etc.) Also required is attendance of either engaged encounter, or a sponsor couple program, and natural family class.
9. May I have a priest or deacon from another parish celebrate the wedding?
Yes, you may. The deacon or priest must receive delegation from the pastor or parochial vicar of SVdP.
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