Matrimony, or Marriage, is the Sacrament in which a couple is united in a lifetime commitment of mutual love and fidelity.
Weddings normally take place in the parish of the bride or the groom.
The Marriage Preparation program in the Diocese of San José asks that couples planning to marry begin making arrangements at least six months before the planned date of their wedding. If one or both of the parties is under the age of 19, they should allow additional time, beyond the normal six months, for preparation.
The first step is to set up a conference with one of the priests of the parish (408) 292-2123 to begin the paperwork and the rest of the marriage preparation. The date and time of the wedding will be reserved by the priest, but not finalized until the couple has completed the marriage preparation requirements.
Other Required Marriage Arrangements
There are two marriage preparation program alternatives.
1) Marriage Preparation Program is held at Our Lady of Peace Church, Santa Clara, (408) 988-4585. The purpose of the program is to enhance the couples’ understanding of married life through discussion and sharing in a workshop atmosphere. The presenting couples share experiences in communication, conflict resolution, intimacy and the sacrament of matrimony. Engaged couples must attend and fulfill this requirement to be married at Five Wounds Church.
2) A second alternative is to attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend. This is a unique retreat experience shared by approximately 25 couples. The weekend (Friday night to Sunday afternoon) is led by two married couples and a priest who have been trained by the Engaged Encounter to share their experiences about marriage. There is a fee for the weekend. More information may be found on the Catholic Engaged Encounter of San Jose Web site.
In addition to the above preparation process, couples are required to attend, as a couple, one informational session on Natural Family Planning offered through the Office of Pastoral Ministry, Diocese of San José. There is a $30.00 charge for this session.
Available dates & registration form (.pdf format)
When couples have completed these parts of their marriage preparation, they will have a follow-up session(s) with the priest in order to finalize their wedding date and plan the ceremony.
Planning Your Wedding
To be married at Five Wounds Parish, you must contact the rectory office at least six (6) months in advance of your wedding date. Please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required to check availability of the date you are requesting.