The marriage preparation program which the parish recommends is called "Partners for Life". This Friday evening/Saturday program provides an opportunity within a relaxed group environment to strength the unique relationship of the couple. There is plenty of time for the couple to explore ways to enrich their relationship and attain knowledge and skills for the years to come.

Topics include:

•  Looking to the future
•  Life transitions and changing roles
•  The spiritual couple
•  Conflict and communication in relationship
•  Keeping romance and intimacy alive
•  Fertility awareness
•  Building family culture

The cost of $199 per couple includes course material, light dinner, lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

"Partners for Life" is conducted by Centacare in the Parish Centre, Manly Vale five times each year. For dates, registration form and bookings phone 9488 2400.

Thinking of Getting Married?

10 things you should know

The decision to marry is one of the most significant decisions in life. Since it effects both State and Church there are certain requirements to be fulfilled:

1. Provide: Appropriate Documents:

• Birth Certificates or extracts
• A recently issued Certificate of Baptism for Catholics (available on enquiry from the Catholic church where you were baptised).  The same or original Baptism Certificates for Christians of other denominations.
• For those under 18 years old, a signed consent from parents and an order from a Judge or Magistrate.
• Death Certificate of former spouse,
• Decree of Nullity/Dissolution,
• Decree of Divorce, if applicable.

2. Complete:

Official State and Church documents with the celebrant.

3. Engage in a Marriage Preparation Programme.

4. Booking the Church

This should be done at least 6 months prior to the wedding. It is normal to give more than six months notice to the priest who you will ask to officiate at your wedding.

5. Times for Weddings:

Ceremonies may be arranged for any day except Sunday and Holy Saturday. On Saturdays, the latest starting time is 4 p.m.

6. Ceremony of Marriage:

Each couple is encouraged to prepare their own individual celebration with the help of the celebrant - choosing readings, prayers, etc.  there are two different celebrations:

(1) Nuptial Mass, i.e. the ceremony of marriage within a Mass offered with and for the couple. The assumption is that a couple requests it because Mass is important to them, and they intend to make regular Mass attendance part of their family life.  This importance is, of course, obvious and easily proven   because they have been faithful to their worship with the parish community.

(2) Marriage Ceremony, i.e. the ceremony within a Scripture - Prayer Service.  This is strongly recommended in cases where church going has not been a part of a person’s formative years or where a Catholic is marrying a person from another Christian tradition.

7. Witnesses:

Law requires two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the marriage certificates and the register.

8. Music:

Some songs do not display the basic character of Christian love, that is, the self-giving which goes beyond the physical and emotional level and are not appropriate to reflect what is being  celebrated in this Sacrament. If in  doubt, consult the celebrant.  The parish is able to refer you to organists or music groups. It is helpful to distinguish between music to accompany the church service and the music appropriate for the reception and post-church celebrations.

9. Charges:

Organist fees, charges and donations to the church and the celebrant should be in keeping with the norms of this area, comparative to other wedding costs and may be negotiated with the celebrant.

The Parish facilities are maintained by the financial contributions of those who worship regularly in this church and who give money via the Sunday collections or the envelope giving system.  Persons who do not make such regular contributions to the recurrent running costs of the church are expected to make a contribution to the church on this occasion.  The Priest would normally devote a number of hours to the couple and the occasion.  A donation in recognition of this would normally be comparative to that expected by a civil celebrant.

10. Other Matters:

Flowers, confetti, video and photography must be discussed with the celebrant before arrangements are made.

Permission to video and for photography must be obtained from the priest celebrant during the time of preparing for the wedding. Permission will only be granted to those who agree to follow the  minimal requirements needed for a sacred ceremony.

The above having been said, this community is happy to assist you in planning your wedding. A good approach is to make an appointment to met with a priest to discuss how best your wedding may reflect the dream you have for a permanent relationship in marriage.