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Matrimony

Pastoral Team

The Marriage Preparation Process

All couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage through Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will have our Pastor, one of our Parochial Vicars or Deacons, and other support staff to assist them throughout the process. Both bride and groom should attend any sessions together as a couple. Each couple’s situation is unique, so we provide this overview as a guide only; the final decision on what elements might be required for a particular couple will be determined by the Priest or Deacon working with the couple, with the approval of our pastor.

Step 1: Your First Appointment with our Pastor, Father Carlos

Your journey begins with an initial interview with Father Carlos. To set your appointment, please call Father at (210) 695-8791, ext. 104. Because each couple’s situation is unique, Father Carlos will discern with you which elements of the Marriage Preparation Process will be required for you.  It is at this initial meeting that you will have your first opportunity to set the date for your wedding.

If you are celebrating your nuptials at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Father Carlos will also help you set the date and time for the rehearsal.

Step 2: Your Orientation to the Marriage Preparation Process

Bride and Groom receive an Orientation to the Marriage Preparation Process.  Kathy Tragos will discuss the marriage preparation process, review the costs and take any questions you might have.

Step 3: Elements of the Marriage Preparation Process

Additional Appointments with Your Priest or Deacon

You and your Priest or Deacon will schedule follow-up appointments between your initial appointment and your wedding day accordingly. Your Priest or Deacon will be a spiritual support and guide and also explain to you the necessary documentation you will need to provide and how to obtain it.

Marriage Inventory Questionnaire & Pre-Marital Counseling

Contact Kathy Tragos to schedule an appointment to complete the PREPARE Marriage Inventory at (210) 695-8791, ext. 108, ktragos@olghelotes.org.

The PREPARE (PREmarital Personal And Relationship Evaluation) questionnaire takes about 45 minutes to complete. The entire appointment should take about an hour. Once you complete the questionnaire, you can make your first appointment for pre-marital counseling.  Counseling information is provided after you take the inventory.

Marriage Preparation Workshops

Attend a Marriage Preparation Workshop, which cover the following topics:

  • “Couples and Prayer,”
  • “The Sacrament of Marriage” and
  • “Planning the Liturgy”

The list of dates is in the Marriage Packet.

Step 4: Your Wedding Rehearsal

Once your wedding date has been reserved on the church calendar (occurs during your initial appointment), you can contact our Music Director, Cheryl Chladek, (210) 695-8791, ext. 100 OR via email at  CChladek@olghelotes.org, to coordinate music for your wedding ceremony.

She will be happy to recommend music ministers who can meet your needs.

Step 5: Your Wedding Ceremony

Always remember:

the intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws.. God himself is the author of marriage” (CCC1603).