Congratulations! We are excited to hear this great news.  The Sacrament of Marriage is one of the two sacraments of service.  Scripture speaks throughout  of marriage and its “mystery,” its institution and the meaning God has given it, its original and its end, its varIous realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin and its renewal “in the Lord” in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church. CCC 1602  Come and see Deacon Hal

In cooperation with guidelines of The Archdiocese of Denver it is preferred that a couple spend a minimum of eight month in preparation for their marriage.  As with all vocations, the preparation process is intended to help you and your fiance lay a foundation that you can build your married life upon.  The preparation you do over the next eight or more months is intended to support both husband and wife in their lifelong vocation of marriage.  This is the time to delve more deeply into your relationship and approach this momentous day with prayer and reflection.

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. –  CCC 1601

The sacrament of marriage is one that brings great blessings to the couple, to their family and friends, and the Church as a whole. Saint Bernadette Parish strives to prepare couples for not only their wedding day, but for a lifetime of grace filled blessings in the relationship that will help lead them to eternal salvation.

Preparation Requirements

• 8-12 months prior to wedding date, the couple meets with Deacon Hal
  Discuss Marriage prep process
• 7-8  months prior to wedding date, the couple completes FOCCUS inventory the couple participates in 2-3 follow up sessions for the Inventory with Deacon or mentor couple
• 6 months prior to wedding date, the couple participate in Marriage Prep Program, The theology of a Catholic marriage as well as important life skills
• 5 months before the wedding, the couple particpate in Natural Family Planning (NFP) course
• 2 months before the wedding, the couple meets with Deacon Hal.  The couple reviews previous preparation, completes all paperwork and plans the wedding liturgy. Paper work filed accordingly
• 1 week before the wedding, the bride and bridegroom participate in Reconciliation

• Baptism Certificate:
  • For Catholic(s), a current copy of each individual’s baptismal certificate (issued from the parish of baptism within 6 months of the wedding date.
  • Non Catholics obtain a copy of their baptismal certificate or record
• Marriage License – The State of Colorado requires a Marriage License, which is valid for only thirty days.
  • The license must be given to parish office no later than the rehearsal date.

The Marriage Ceremony

A Nuptial Mass is the usual form for the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony between two Catholics.

A marriage between a Catholic and a baptized Christian is usually celebrated outside of Mass.

A marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person is always celebrated outside of Mass.