Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another: “It is not good that the man should be alone.”The woman, “flesh of his flesh,” his equal, his nearest in all things, is given to him by God as a “helpmate”; she thus represents God from whom comes our help. “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” The Lord himself shows that this signifies an unbreakable union of their two lives by recalling what the plan of the Creator had been “in the beginning”: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1605
Congratulations on your engagement and prayerful best wishes to you as you prepare for marriage. Your decision to unite yourselves in Christian marriage is indeed a joyful occasion! By this time, you have no doubt shared your intentions with your family and friends and now have come to the Cathedral Parish of St. John Berchmans to request prayer and preparation for the sacrament into which you are about to enter. This parish community is eager to assist you as you share your vows in the presence of the Church.
Everything in life takes formation, preparation, and getting ready. Before we go on a trip, we pack our bags, we look at a map, we purchase airline tickets, etc. Before we graduate from college, we have to study and pass several classes — it takes years!
Important things in life take a time of preparation and formation in order for them to be successful. Same with marriage! It is a very important decision; one that will change the way we live our lives. Therefore, it is a decision that requires an important period of formation and preparation, both individually and as a couple.
It is important to begin the Pre-Cana preparation as soon as possible. Pre-Cana refers to all Marriage and Wedding Preparation.
You are invited to begin by Clicking here to review the Summary of the Wedding Guide. Select either #1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 that applies to your wedding. Follow the directions.
If have questions, please contact Mary Kay Townley at mktownley@sjbcathedral.org or call 318.221.5296 ext. 108. She is available to assist and walk with you in this momentous occasion in your life.
March 10-11, 2023
July 14-15, 2023
November 10-11, 2023
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Step 1:
Begin the Pre-Cana preparation by speaking with the priest or deacon who will witness the wedding.
Step 2:
Review Engaged Couples Weekend by Clicking here
Step 3:
Complete and submit ECW Prep Form
Step 4:
Complete the ECW Registration – Cost $175
Step 5:
Complete FOCCUS – Wedding Coordinator will schedule one month prior to Engage Couples Weekend
Step 6:
Attend the ECW Seminar
Step 7:
Complete Pre-Cana preparation: Click here for more information. Fees, offerings and forms must be submitted four (4) months prior to
wedding.
Love that leads to marriage is a gift from God and a great act of faith toward other human beings.
1. Registered parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans AND
You want a priest/deacon of the Cathedral to perform your ceremony.
2. Registered parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans AND
You want a priest/deacon from outside the Cathedral to perform your ceremony.
3. Registered parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans AND You want to marry another Catholic outside of the Cathedral parish with an outside priest/deacon to perform your ceremony.
4. Registered parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans AND you want to marry in a non-Catholic church in your future spouse’s church, you still must go through Pre-Cana.
5. Not a Registered parishioner of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.
Additional Information
Engaged Couples Weekend is for engaged couples for whom this is their first marriage. The weekend is specifically designed to give couples the opportunity to talk honestly and intensively about their future together – an opportunity to discover a deeper appreciation of your relationship and God’s call to unite in a permanent union, the Sacrament of Matrimony.
The weekend consists of a series of presentations beginning Friday evening and ending on Saturday afternoon. Led by a team of married couples and clergy, the couples are encouraged to talk with each other on many aspects of marriage, always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. Among the subjects they have an opportunity to discuss with each other are their ambitions, goals, attitudes about God, sex, money, children, family, and your role in the church and community.
Saturday: 4:00 pm Adoration: 9 am ~ 12pm
Sunday: 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 5:30 pm
Weekdays: Monday ~ Friday: 12:10 pm
Adoration: Friday: 11:00 am
Benediction: Friday : 11:45 am
Thursday: 11 am ~ 11:45 am Saturday: 3:00 ~ 3:45 pm
By Appointment