St. Michael has provided training and certification for couples who wish to marry in the Church. The engaged couple undergoes an online survey called Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study (FOCCUS) as part of their marriage preparation. Once the survey is completed, the Director of Marriage and Family Life is notified, and the report is prepared for printing. An engaged couple sponsor is then matched with the engaged couple for five sessions held at the sponsor couple's home, scheduled at the convenience of both parties. These sessions are highly personalized and have been well-received by the engaged couples who evaluate them.
Contact Diane Salazar at the Marriage and Family Life office six months prior to your wedding for marriage preparation.
Getting Married This Year?
After meeting with the Director of Marriage and Family Life, make sure to submit your paperwork promptly.
Convalidation
Have you been married in the Catholic Church? No?
Did you know you can have a Convalidation?
* Convalidation is the process by which Catholics who are
married but not through the Church, enter into a Valid
Catholic Marriage.
* Having a Convalidation places you in good standing with the Catholic Church.
* Being in good standing means that you may go to
Confession and receive Holy Communion
(barring other issues).
* For those who are fully initiated Catholics, you will also be eligible to serve as godparents for baptism and a Confirmation sponsor.
* At least one of the couple needs to be baptized
Catholic. You do not need to have received all sacraments to be married, except baptism.
* Non-Catholics are not required to become Catholic.
If you have questions or would like to have a Convalidation, please contact Diane Salazar, Director of Marriage & Family Life, at (972) 279-6581, ext.107, or DianeS@stmichaelgarland.org