Marriage Preparation

Congratulations! We are happy you have decided to marry in the Catholic Church. We want to help you have a successful marriage.

There is education and preparation for receiving all the sacraments of the faith, including the Sacrament of Matrimony. The name PreCana is based on the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus performed his first public miracle, changing water into wine at the request of his mother. Pre means before your own wedding day, we help you prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony and start you on your journey to a lifelong marriage.

There are 10 Steps to getting married in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

1. Meet with one of the parish priests. Get the information about guidelines for marriage at St. Daniel the Prophet Church.
2. Take a premarital inventory. The inventories recommended by the Archdiocese are based upon a Catholic understanding of marriage and are referred as The Catholic Couple Check Up or FOCCUS.  This can be arrange at the parish office through one of our FOCCUS Couples.
3. Arrange a meeting with one of the FOCCUS couples to review the results of the premarital inventory.
   
4. Attend a marriage preparation class called PreCana. Information and scheduling for PreCana can be found at www.familyministries.org or by calling 312.534.8201.  PreCana classes are offered regularly at St. Daniel the Prophet Church and are held in our Parish Hall located in the lower level of St. Daniel the Prophet School.
5. Attend an introductory Natural Family Planning or Christian Sexuality class. NFP consists of scientific natural methods to achieve, space, or avoid a pregnancy, strengthening the marriage, the couple, and the family by teaching couples to read and interpret signs of fertility and infertility. The Christian Sexuality class is based on the Theology of the Body with lectures, discussion, and workbook exercises.
6. Attend a Discover Weekend. This is an optional opportunity for couples who would like to further explore their relationship as part of their preparation for marriage.
7. Review what you have learned about yourselves as a couple with your marriage preparation minister (priest or deacon). Discuss any issues or concerns raised in your marriage preparation and review the details of the ceremony with the pastoral minister. Complete all papers and review the readings and music you have chosen.
8. Buy your marriage license. The purchase of a Marriage License is a mandatory requirement of the State of Illinois.  You cannot get married at St. Daniel the Prophet Church without a Marriage License.  You can purchase your marriage License at the Bridgeview Court House Monday through Friday.  We recommend that your purchase your marriage at least 30 days, but not more that 60 days, before your wedding date. You should bring your Marriage License to the Rectory no later than the day of your wedding rehearsal.
9. Attend your wedding rehearsal. The wedding rehearsal usually takes place at the church on the evening before your wedding day.  The time should be scheduled with your marriage minister (priest or deacon).  All those involved in the ceremony, bridesmaids, ushers, readers, parents etc should be invited to attend.
10. Enjoy your wedding day. Your big day is finally here as you begin your lifetime commitment to one another, your own marriage in the Lord.

• Father Noga (English)
• Father Kurc (Polish)