Getting Married? Here’s what you need to know

Q: What is Pre-Cana? 
A: Precana is a marriage preparation program for those who want to have a Catholic wedding.

Q: How can I find a marriage preparation program near me? 
A: The Diocesan Marriage Prep­a­ration Programs can be found at the RCDA home page under the button “How Do I Get Married?” 

Q: My clergy person said I need a copy of my baptismal certificate? 
A: Although you may have the original, a current copy is needed. This can be easily obtained through the church you were baptized in. Give them a call and they will mail it to you.  

Q: What if the church that has my baptismal certificate has closed? 
A: All records from parishes within the Albany Diocese are safely transferred when a church has closed. To access your records on­line, use the RCDA Institutional and Parish Records search tool. 

MARRIAGE TIMELINE

— At 12 months —

Contact the church you wish to be married in. Meet with the pastor or deacon (or parish representative) to select a wedding date and time, and discuss the parish requirements for a wedding celebration.

— Nine months —

Start selecting readings (traditionally, one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament and one from the Gospels) and Prayers of the Faithful.

— Six months —

Plan to attend a Marriage ­Preparation Program (Precana) Register now, programs can fill up quickly. Create your guest list. Design or select, and order, wedding invitations.

— Three months —

Meet with the parish wedding representative or pastor to discuss decoration requirements, which may include placement and size of floral arrangements. Meet with the parish musician

— Two months —

Finalize the invites, ceremony details. Publish a wedding announcement in the church bulletin. Make sure all documentation has been delivered to the celebrant (ex:Baptism Records) Finalize Music and reading ­choices.

— 3-to-4 weeks —

Meet with the parish representative or clergy to discuss last minute details.

– Day (or Two) before —

Participate, with priest and ­wedding party, in a rehearsal ceremony.

This guide was prepared by the Marriage and Family Ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.