Getting Started With Your Wedding

Regina De Spain
Sacramental Prep. /Volunteer Ministries Coordinator

(602) 954-9089 x5222

My name is Regina De Spain; I coordinate marriage preparation here at St. Thomas the Apostle. It is always a joyous occasion when a couple has chosen to answer the call to the sacrament of holy marriage. Below I have listed the requirements to get you started and provide you with a brief overview of the diocesan marriage preparation programs and St. Thomas the Apostle policies regarding marriage preparation and weddings. Please click here to request an appointment

GENERAL INFORMATION

Couples who wish to be married at St. Thomas the Apostle must meet certain criteria and adhere to specific policies. Some policies are set by the Diocese of Phoenix and some are specific to St. Thomas the Apostle.

MUST BE ACTIVE/REGISTERED PARISHIONER
St. Thomas the Apostle only prepares active and registered parishioners for the Sacrament of Marriage. (Active means attending Mass, using tithing envelopes, and/or volunteering at St. Thomas the Apostle.) Click here For definition of an active Catholic?

USE OF CHURCH
We reserve the use of our church exclusively for the weddings of parishioners and/ or the children of parishioners traveling from out of state. In keeping with our Catholic understanding of the sacramental life, it is most appropriate for couples to prepare and wed at the church they attend.

THE GOAL OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION
The goal of the marriage preparation process is to educate couples on the full truth of the Church's teaching on the sacred, sacramental nature of marriage and family life and provide them with the tools for a fulfilling a successful marriage.

The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children.(Catechism of the Catholic Church #1660)

ELILIBILTY
To be eligible for marriage preparation at St. Thomas the Apostle:

• • If not registered and living within parish boundaries, couples must register prior to seeking permission from the pastor to begin marriage preparation.
• • If not registered and living outside parish boundaries,couples must register and be active for six months before they seek permission from the pastor to begin marriage preparation.
• • For children of parishioners, to be eligible to use the church, the parents must be registered and active parishioners for a minimum of one year. Moreover, the children must be from out of state.

How to begin preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage

Deacon Doug Bogart

To get started with your wedding you'll need to set up an appointment to meet with Deacon Doug Bogart. Deacon Doug's appointments are managed by Regina De Spain. You may contact Regina by email or phone (see contact info at the top of this page) or you may send her a request for an appointment by clicking here.

Deacon Doug will introduce standard requirements and inquire about any past unions and other details that may need nullification or petitioning. He will also provide you with materials needed to proceed with all the Church’s requirements. Carefully read all materials in your marriage preparation packet. Fully complete all paperwork. (Each couple is solely responsible for this.) Submit the paperwork to the parish office in a timely manner. If paperwork is not returned, it will not be possible to proceed with the wedding.

(Click Here For Deacon Doug's - FAITH BUILDING RESOURCE LIST)

MUSIC

All music must be approved and coordinated by Music Director. Please contact music director ASAP to ensure their availability.

Greg Hebert
Music Director

(602) 954-9089 x5211

How to reserve the Church for your wedding day

• Couples may not reserve the church until they have officially begun the marriage preparation process.
• Please contact the wedding coordinator with two dates no less then nine months from the time that you begin marriage preparation.