Marriage

Why Sacrament of Marriage

The Sacrament of marriage is a contract implying total and permanent commitment between a man and a woman; it is a covenant based on fruitful love; it is a sacrament bringing the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit to the relationship and signifying the union of Christ with the Church. The commitment of marriage implies mutual support and affection and total faithfulness to one another in body and spirit. As the couple grows together through life, their love will be directed toward fruitfulness, family, and hospitality toward others.
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It is primarily in the family, the "domestic church", that faith is expressed and nourished. Marriage rooted in the grace of baptism grows strong in the light of the family's daily living of the Christian life. Our parish community supports the role of the family by being a worshiping, believing, serving community and by providing ongoing spiritual formation for all.
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Procedures: 
  1. Weddings are generally celebrated on Saturdays at 12:00 Noon, and 2:00. Weddings may not be celebrated during Lent, except in emergencies.
  2. Catholic Sacramental Marriage is to be celebrated in the Church and not in the vinery or beach.
  3. The couple generally prepares for marriage in the parish where at least one of them is a registered, participating member.
  4. The couple contacts the Parish Office at least six months before the proposed date of the marriage. For further information, call Parish Secretary at: 510-657-4043 or Email at: [email protected].
  5. If one or other of the couple has been previously married, and if an annulment is needed, the annulment process will be completed before marriage preparation begins.
  6. At the couple's first appointment with the priest or deacon, elements of the preparation process will be explained. These include: the FOCCUS assessment; the Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana seminar/retreat; meeting with the priest or deacon who will preside at your wedding; planning the liturgy; and the required paper work, including a recent copy of each one's Baptismal certificate (if applicable).
  7. A date for the wedding will be scheduled on the parish calendar, however, it will be confirmed on the parish calendar only when the FOCCUS and Pre-cana or Engaged Encounter assessment are completed
  8. Please click English Wedding Booklet  or Spanish Wedding Booklet for more information. 

Parish
​Marriage Preparation Programs

Parish occasionally holds Marriage preparation Program for English and Spanish couples. Current Schedule TBA

Foccus
Assesment ​Program

The Priest/Deacon with whom you prepare the paperwork will guide you in this process. Once signed up, you will receive the access credentials with which you will be able to complete the program.