Remember!
No wedding dates are official until
requirements are met. It is wise not to rent a hall or make any deposit(s)
until you have official confirmation from the Parish office concerning
your requested date.
FOCCUS
Facilitating
Open Couple
Communication,
Understanding,
and Study
was created to deal with current issues and needs in marriage preparation. It
is designed primarily to be a facilitative instrument, raising questions and
identifying concern areas for couples so that they can think about and discuss
them. FOCCUS explores basic expectations, communication, and problem-solving
skills and attitudes on money, children, religion, sexuality, and in-laws.
Appointments for the FOCCUS interview must be
made with the marriage pastoral associate, Mrs. Eva Castorena. A follow-up
meeting is required to review the FOCCUS.
You may participate.
There are ways in which the couple can include others as well
as themselves in the wedding liturgy. Besides participating as the ones
receiving the sacrament of Matrimony, the couple can also choose the prayers
and readings that will be used at their wedding. A book is provided with a
special page in which to mark these selections for the priest.
The bride and the groom are encouraged to invite competent
friends and family to participate as readers, gift-bearers for the Mass, and
for serving as Eucharistic ministers of Communion. Many couples have offered
to help with the distribution of Communion as a gift to the invited assembly.
Miscellaneous
Information
Marriage preparation classes are available through the diocese
as well as the Santa Barbara pastoral region. A schedule is available from the
priest, deacon, or pastoral associate. It is the responsibility of the couple
to make the arrangements to take the Marriage Preparation class.
Questions concerning music, decorations, wedding day
schedules, and building regulations are available in a complete wedding
packet. The packet can be obtained from Mrs. Eva Castorena.
Once a date is set, it is very difficult to make schedule
changes due to the heavy demand for weddings at Santa Clara Parish. Please
plan to use the church at your designated time.
Fees
The normal fee for a wedding at Santa Clara Parish is $500.00
(five-hundred dollars) for Parish
couples and $800.00 for couples from outside the Parish. Pre-payment arrangements can be made with the Parish
office when the date is approved.
Return to the previous page.
Marriage Tribunal
Each (arch)diocese has an organization charged to examine
failed marriages, and, if they qualify, to grant an annulment which permits
the individual to subsequently be married in the Catholic Church. If your
marriage has resulted in divorce, seek the guidance of a Priest or Deacon to
determine if you have the potential grounds for an annulment case.
