Congratulations on your engagement!
The same God who watched over you from the cradle until now will guide your footsteps as you prepare to take this great step in your life.
The marriage preparation usually takes at least six months. If you have a wedding out of state or out of the country, this process may take significantly longer. Please contact Julie Glover in the Church Office at 214-348-7380 or julie@spccdallas.org to assist in planning your wedding and starting the marriage preparation process.
FOCCUS
Saint Patrick Church and the Diocese of Dallas cooperate in providing programs to help you prepare for marriage. FOCCUS stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study. This self-diagnostic tool is designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their relationship. This process provides couples with deeper conversation and understanding of one another. FOCCUS reflects the ideals and values of marriage as sacred.
FOCCUS is required for all couples planning a wedding at St. Patrick. If you have not already, please Submit Your Request to have a wedding at St. Patrick and you will be put in touch with a sponsor couple, specially trained to facilitate the FOCCUS study.
This process is also required for all couples planning a convalidation ceremony at St. Patrick (REFOCCUS).
Convalidation
Catholic marriage is a Sacrament that makes Christ present in our world, bringing the power of God’s grace. The relationship between husband and wife reflects the relationship between Jesus and His Church. The convalidation ceremony consecrates a marriage as a true Sacramental union. This convalidation ceremony is for those who are civilly married with no impediments and would like to be Sacramentally married in the Church.