Marriage Preparation

This page contains the steps to help you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony and to have a fruitful married life.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or feedback you may have, and be assured of our prayers as you prepare for marriage.

1. Register for and attend the “Engagement Meeting” hosted on the morning of the 4th Saturday of each month by our priests.

Please Visit the Marriage Prep Calendar to RSVP for the meeting.

2. Hold an Initial Meeting with one of our priests. You will get an email with instructions on how to schedule the meeting a few days after you attend the Engagement Meeting. Please be sure that you are subscribed to receive emails from the system.


*After you’ve completed the above steps, the following requirements can be done in the order of your choosing, EXCEPT the “Marriage: A Great Adventure” (step 6, MGA). You MUST take the FOCCUS inventory before attending the MGA conference (although you don’t necessarily need to meet with the priest to discuss the results before the conference).

3. Complete this Natural Family Planning course and send the certificate to ParishSecretary@stcharleschurch.org

4. Complete this ONLINE PRE-CANA - theology of the body marriage prep course and send the certificate to ParishSecretary@stcharleschurch.org

5. Take the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory and then review with the priest.  

Use parish Code OFL107ARL

6. Attend a Marriage: A Great Adventure Session (sessions are limited, please work with your priest if one is not available)

*NOTE: You MUST take the FOCCUS inventory before attending the MGA conference (although you don’t necessarily need to meet with the priest to discuss the results before the conference)

7. Attend the Spiritual Conference at St. Charles.

Offered the 1st Saturday every other month (in odd months) at 11am. Please see the Marriage Prep Calendar to RSVP

8. Obtain the necessary documentation. Detailed in the Engagement Meeting. 

  • Affidavits (2 each) of free status, that are signed by a notary and mailed or delivered directly to the parish (i.e. completed affidavits cannot be seen by the bride or groom). Two (2) each for:

    • the Groom

    • the Bride

  • Baptism Certificates (with notation of Confirmation) for:

    • the Groom

    • the Bride

      • Note that both must be new copies dated within 6 months of the wedding (they should not be the originals)

  • Marriage License (as required by local jurisdiction)