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Congratulations on your engagement!
Preparing for Matrimony
Congratulations on your decision to get married in the Catholic Church! The following information should help you as you begin the process of preparing as a couple for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Like other sacraments of the Catholic Church, Marriage requires spiritual preparation and as such, we request at a minimum of six months’ preparation time if getting married at St. Jude. If marrying in another state or country, we request nine months’ preparation time. We do recommend waiting to book a venue for your reception until you have had your first appointment with Deacon Robert.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marriage@stjudeparish.com.
Initial Interview
Please schedule an appointment for your initial interview by contacting Deacon Robert Holladay at (972) 727.1177 x2219. At the initial interview the wedding date and time will be reserved with a 50% deposit (non-refundable).
Wedding Times:
Weddings may take place on Friday Evenings or Saturdays- Friday Times: 2:00 PM thru 7:00 PM
- Saturday Times: 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Rehearsals are scheduled the evening before the wedding. This will be discussed and selected at your initial meeting with Deacon Robert. If there is a holiday, solemnity or other parish event that conflicts with the evening before rehearsal Deacon Robert will work with you to get an acceptable time. In choosing a Saturday 7:00 PM time please note you will not be able to bring in flowers etc. prior to 6:15 PM due to our 5:00 PM Mass.
Fees
Wedding fee for parishioners is $675 and $875 for non-parishioners. This includes chapel/church, *musician, wedding coordinator, diocesan prenuptial fee. A 50% (non-refundable) deposit of the fee is due to reserve the date. The remaining balance is due 2 months prior to the wedding. * Music is provided by St. Jude and is coordinated via the Director of Music. If outside musicians are requested, it must be approved by the St. Jude Director of Music and a fee for coordination occurs.
The above fee does not include a stipend to the priest. The services of the priest or deacon are free; however, it is customary to offer a stipend. Couples may want to consider not only the time devoted to the wedding, but also the effort put into the marriage preparation process.
Wedding Coordinator
Our parish includes a wedding coordinator that will help with the details of the wedding ceremony. The coordinator, Toni Cechan can be reached at (972) 727.1177 x2224. She will meet with the engaged couple 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding to go over all the details of the wedding ceremony. Outside wedding coordinators are welcome however, the St. Jude parish wedding coordinator will lead the couple through the ceremony at St. Jude.
Preparation
The marriage of a Christian is an event of great celebration. The preparation involves three areas: documents, spiritual formation (marriage preparation), and ceremony preparation. We are blessed to use FOCCUS and have sponsor couples in the parish that walk with you in this process.
The context of marriage is our faith, what we believe and how we live out our marriage bond. Couples have the opportunity in marriage to grow together in their life as a married couple. The marriage preparation helps build the foundation of this growth. Deacon Robert will give you the next step in this preparation at the first meeting.
Documentation
Please sign the attached document and bring it to your meeting with Deacon Robert. You will need to print it off and bring it with you. You may access it here.
Congratulations again and may God bless you through this journey!
