Congratulations on your engagement! Our Lady of Fatima Parish is here to help you prepare for your Christian marriage as you become a sign of Christ's love for his Church.

To be married at Our Lady of Fatima, one of the parties must be a registered member of our parish. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to learn how to join our parish.

Please contact us at least eight months in advance of your proposed marriage date. If the marriage will be at Our Lady of Fatima, and you are requesting a specific celebrant, it is wise to check his calendar before making arrangements.

Parish Secretary [email protected] 303-233-6236

Catholic teaching about marriage and the family flows from the heart of our faith. For this reason, we can begin by reviewing the basic story of the Church. Our God is not inaccessible and remote; we believe that God reveals himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the source for the hope, faith, love and joy that should animate Catholic family life. He is the reason we can trust the wisdom of Catholic belief. (CCC, 425-427)

Marriage Preparation Overview

Initial Meeting with Deacon or Priest

♦ 8-12 months before wedding

It is essential you contact Our Lady of Fatima Parish 8-12 months before the wedding. Contact our Parish Secretary​​​​​​, 303-233-6236 after you become engaged to schedule an initial meeting with you and your future spouse. At our initial meeting, you’ll learn about the preparation process and necessary paperwork for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. We will guide you from a pastoral perspective in determining which classes in each step will best suit your situation.

During the Initial Meeting it will also be determined if both parties are free to marry. If either party has received a civil divorce for a previous union, a declaration of nullity (annulment) must be granted before marriage preparation can begin.

Prep Step #1

♦ 8 months before wedding

The first course you will take for marriage preparation addresses "what" the Church teaches on marriage and sexuality and "why" she teaches it. The Deacon or Priest will help you determine which course best suits your situation. Two course options include:

• God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage
• Catholic Marriage Preparation, Inc.

Prep Step #2

♦ 6 months before wedding

The second prep-step is to receive training in Natural Family Planning (NFP). The Deacon or Priest will help you choose the best course option for this step. Course options are:

• The Couple to Couple League
• The Creighton FertilityCare System
• Northwest Family Services

Prep Step #3

♦ 6 months before wedding

The third prep-step focuses on building communication and life skills. One of two courses can be taken to fulfill this step:

• Catholic Engaged Encounter
• Catholic Marriage Preparation, Inc.

Final Meeting with Deacon or Priest

The final meeting with the Deacon or Priest may address the music and liturgical readings for your ceremony. In addition, Catholic participants are strongly encouraged to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist prior to the ceremony.