At Old St Mary Church, we delight in guiding couples through the sacred journey towards matrimony—a sacrament that brings special graces. Like other sacraments, preparation for marriage is vital and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Marriage Preparation Requirements

To ensure a holy union within the Catholic Church, couples are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Program. This process typically spans six to nine months, so planning ahead is essential.

Options for Marriage Preparation

Option #1: Prepare at Your Home Parish

You may choose to undergo marriage preparation at your home parish. They will outline the necessary steps and timelines. Upon completion, your parish must send a confirmation letter to Old St Mary Church’s Wedding Coordinator at least 90 days before your wedding. You can still opt to have one of our priests or deacons preside over your ceremony. In such cases, the officiant will also meet with you several months prior to the wedding. Additionally, you can attend one of our Marriage Workshops, even if the rest of your preparation is completed elsewhere.

Option #2: Prepare Directly with Us

For those who prefer to prepare directly at Old St Mary Church, our comprehensive program includes:

• Initial Meeting and A-Form: Meet with the presiding priest or deacon to complete the A-Form—a preliminary document that establishes your eligibility to marry in the Catholic Church. If one of you is not Roman or Latin Catholic, we will also start the dispensation process.
• PREPARE AND ENRICH Assessment: Complete this assessment and review the results with a counselor. This tool helps couples understand their similarities, differences, and overall compatibility. To start this segment, contact Joe Manuszak at 586-322-1660 or by email.
• Marriage Preparation Workshops: Attend a workshop at our church, held twice a year. These workshops begin with Mass and include presentations and discussions, enriching your preparation experience.
• Natural Family Planning Course: Complete this course online with your partner and submit the Certificate of Completion to us.

Please ensure you complete all parts of the preparation program, as it's crucial for fulfilling church requirements. Our Wedding Coordinator, Kelly Godin, is here to assist you with any queries. Contact her at [email protected]

We eagerly anticipate assisting you in preparing for this wonderful sacrament and wish you many blessings on your journey to marriage.