“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601
Parish contacts you will need throughout your marriage preparation
St. Martin of Tours Parish office: 619.465.5334
Witness to Love Marriage Prep Coordinator: Lisa Zickert lisaz@smtlm.org
SMT Wedding Coordinator: Christine Davis chris@smtlm.org
Office Manager: Elvira Medina elvira@smtlm.org
A Wedding Check List
Make appointment with priest.
Call parish office 619.465.5334 to schedule
Note: Please state whether you are seeking Marriage for the first time or whether you desire to have your civil marriage convalidated.
First Appointment with Priest
Discuss desire for sacramental marriage
Start pre-marriage paperwork
Enroll in FOCCUS Inventory (explained by priest)
Choose a parish offered mentor couple
Schedule 2nd meeting to review completed FOCCUS Inventory
Mentor Couple Meetings
Reach out to your Mentor couple six months prior to your wedding date
(6-12 months for out of San Diego Diocese weddings)
Mentor couple will invite you to meet and greet dinner and provide you with your Witness to Love Marriage Prep Materials
Six sessions will be scheduled with your mentor couple to complete the Witness to Love Program
Schedule "Day of Love" diocesan retreat or Pre-Cana retreat (explained by Mentor Couple)
Contact Office Manager - make appointment call 619.465.5334
Reserve church, discuss fees & contract, make a deposit
Contact St. Martin of Tours Wedding Coordinator - make appointment call 619.465.5334
Review wedding guidelines packet & set rehearsal date
Review materials for planning wedding liturgy
Receive Music Director contact information
2nd Appointment with Priest
Review completed FOCCUS Inventory
Submit requested marriage preparation documents
Set date for 3rd meeting
Documentation Needed Within Six Months of Wedding Date
New Baptismal Certificates from the Church of Baptism for each partner
Date and Name of the church/es of Confirmation (no certificate needed)
Date and name of church of Baptism for non-Catholic partner (no certificate needed)
One month before wedding
Pay balance of church fees, confirm all vendors have received church guidelines
3rd Appointment with Priest
Ensure Priest has received all necessary documentation (Baptismal Certificates, Marriage License)
Review Outline of Liturgy (choices of readings, blessings, wedding party)
“Have you not read, that he who made man from the beginning, made them male and female? And he said: For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be in one flesh.”
Matthew 19:4-5
