Although we recognize that al of your life has been preparing you for this new journey in faith, we believe that the seriousness of marriage commitment requires an equally serious time of immediate preparation set aside before the sacramental celebration. The preferred time frame to start the preparation is one year, and no case less than six months prior to the wedding date.
All Saints parish community and the Catholic Diocese of Dallas cooperate in providing several different programs and services to help you formulate the most beneficial preparation program for your selves. To be married at All Saints you will participate in some combination of the programs describes below:
The parish offers a premarital inventory called the FOCCUS instrument (i.e. facilitation Open Couple Communications, Understanding and Study) which identifies attitudes, values and behavior, which the couple needs to discuss in order to know each other adequately enough for marriage.
After completion of the FOCCUS instrument at All Saints the couple may choose one of the following programs:
Diocesan sponsor Engaged Encounter Weekend.
The All Saints Parish Sponsor Couple Program
Using the FOCCUS instrument as well as their own training and experience, married couples specially selected from the parish, work with engaged couples to help them better understand the nature of sacramental marriage. The Sponsor Couple are trained by the Diocese and volunteer their time to support those desiring marriage in the church.
The Engaged Encounter
The Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat for couples planning marriage. It is designed to give couples an opportunity to dialogue honestly and intensively about their future life together. Interdenominational and interfaith couples, as well as those who are both Catholic, are most welcome.
An ideal time for couples to attend would be six months prior to the wedding date. To make arrangements to participate in an Engaged Encounter, contact the Department of Sacramental Formation, Marriage Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas (214.528.2360).
In order to take full advantage of this preparation time please make sure your initial contact with a priest or deacon of All Saints at least six month before your intended Wedding Date.
Within two weeks of your initial meeting with the priest/deacon contact the Directors of Parish Engaged Couple Sponsor Program for a FOCCUS date.
The priest/deacon or Director of Parish Engaged Couple Sponsor Program will assist you in making an informed choice of the programs in which you will participate.
We strongly recommend that you complete your marriage preparation before you send invitations or at least two months prior to your wedding date.
Download the complete Wedding Guidelines of All Saints Catholic Church
* Note: All fees must be paid in full at the time of booking in order to secure your wedding date. Since prices are subject to change, please confirm the current pricing with the Parish Secretary.
** Parishioner – Active member of the Parish for twelve (12) months prior to wedding, i.e. involved in organization, ministry, contribute to Parish Stewardship, and Capital Campaign.
The Fee Amount of $350 (parishioner) or $500 (non-parishioner) will not be refunded, under any circumstances.
The priest will complete the Wedding Preparation Information Form during the initial visit.
Please note: The Wedding Preparation Information Form can be downloaded and printed!