From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate. (Mk 10:2-12)

Music For Your Wedding
To help you become familiar with some musical options before your initial meeting with the church musicians, here is a list of music that you will be able to listen to.

Wedding Guidelines for a Wedding at St. Hugo of the Hills
As a couple planning marriage at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish, you will have many questions about the process. Click here to read the outline of the steps you need to take.

Foundations Newsletter
Foundations is a bi-monthly newsletter for newly married couples, each with a thematic topic and a spiritual slant. Order your copy now. (more)

Marriage Preparation Seminar
PMD Program is a one-day program is designed to stimulate stronger sacramental commitment and a deeper, more intense communication between you and your future spouse. We will be exploring topics that are critical to successful marriages, with continued emphasis on communication. For more information, please call Mary and Gary Straffon at (248) 549-0548 or Deacon Mike Smith at (248) 644-6460.

Marriage Preparation For the Previously Married
Strongly endorsed by the Archdiocese, CANA II is a special weekend of marriage preparation for those couples of which one or both have been married before. Special preparation is a blessing because special issues arise when a previous marriage is part  of the new family history. The next CANA II weekend will be February 2 and 3, 2002 at St. John’s Center in Plymouth. For more information about this opportunity for enhancing your upcoming new marriage, call Marie: 1-810-263-4845.

Sacramental Life
Jesus promised he would not leave us orphans (Jn 14:18) but would send the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us (Jn 15:26). He gave the sacraments to heal, feed, and strengthen us. The seven sacraments are not just symbols. They are signs that actually convey God’s grace and love. (more)

Wedding Rehearsal Consultants
The Wedding Rehearsal Consultants are a group of dedicated volunteers who conduct the wedding rehearsals with the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and Parents. The Wedding Rehearsal is usually schedule a day or two prior to the wedding date. The Wedding Rehearsal Coordinators rehearse the wedding procession, readings, lighting of the unity candle, the nuptial Mass/ wedding service, etc. with the wedding party, in preparation for the actual wedding ceremony.

The coordinators meet approximately every three months (for lunch) to set up the schedule. Each coordinator selects the dates she or he is available for the following three months. The rehearsal takes about 1 to 1½ hours, depending on the size of the wedding party. Training is provided. This is a happy and fun ministry! For more information, please call Marie E. Doyle at (248) 334-5526. God Bless!

What You Need to Do to Get Married
As early as possible contact a priest in the parish where you intend to marry. Customarily couples marry in the parish of the bride. If only one party is a Catholic, go to the parish of that party. (see below)

1. Contact Parish: As early as possible, contact a priest in the parish where you intend to marry. Customarily couples marry in the parish of the bride. If only one party is a Catholic, go to the parish of that party. Allow at least three months, if possible–longer in large parishes during popular wedding months.

2. Marriage Preparation: Plan to prepare yourselves for marriage. Many dioceses specify three months of preparation as a minimum. You may meet with your parish priest, attend a series of pre-Cana presentations, enroll in an all-day work-shop or weekend retreat (such as Engaged Encounter) or even meet with an established married couple. You and your parish priest can arrange instruction according to your needs, time and interest.

3. Baptismal Certificate: You will need a copy of your baptismal certificate to show your Catholic identity. Since marriages are recorded on your baptismal certificate, you will need a recent copy to show that you have not been previously married.

4. Policy for Teens: If either you or your partner is very young, you may be asked for evidence of emotional maturity. Since marriages of teenagers frequently end in divorce, many dioceses have instituted special procedures for the marriage of teens. The Church wishes to make sure that the parties are capable of understanding and making a lifetime pledge.

5. Interview With Priest: Since the Church is concerned about you and your future, the parish priest will interview each of you. He will inquire about your freedom to marry, your understanding of the commitment you are making and your ability to live it out. There is no cause for anxiety if you can respond positively in these matters.

6. Planning the Liturgy: Help plan your marriage liturgy to express the love and commitment you will pledge. Your parish priest can assist you in the choice of music, Scripture readings, gesture and prayer. Books like Together for Life by Joseph Champlin (Ave Maria Press) and Your Wedding: Planning Your Own Ceremony by Jeremy Harrington (St. Anthony Messenger Press) can be great helps in this.

© 1979 St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45210   Catholic Update: Today's Faith in Focus