- The engaged couple initially meets with Bill Szolek-Van Valkenburgh. During this meeting, there is an initial interview and the marriage preparation program is discussed. A date for the wedding will be scheduled. (It is not a good idea to come to this first meeting with your reception already booked!)
- The Bill Szolek-Van Valkenburgh will meet with the Engaged Couple for feedback upon completion of the Prepare Inventory. Note: The Prepare inventory will be administered online. At present, the company scoring Prepare charges a fee of $35.00 dollars. This fee is changeable depending upon the company.
- Soon after the first meeting with the Pastoral Staff Member:
A. Schedule a Tobit Retreat Weekend at the Fatima Retreat House. The weekend cost per couple is currently $298.00. The Fatima Retreat House is located at 5353 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis (545-7681) or http://archindy.org/fatima/calendar/tobit.html
B. Begin selecting and scheduling cantors and musicians. (A list of cantors and musicians will be provided) - After the engaged couple has completed the above requirements, three months before the wedding, they are to call the pastoral staff member with whom they first met to arrange the next meeting. At this time:
A. Marriage papers are filled out.
B. The spirituality and sacramentality of marriage are discussed.
C. Baptismal records are presented.
D. Planning of the marriage ceremony begins. A booklet is given to help with the planning of the ceremony. - Finally, at least two months in advance, the engaged couple calls the priest witnessing the ceremony to review the ceremony and to make final arrangements. The marriage license should be dropped off at the rectory two to three days in advance of the wedding date. In certain circumstances, engaged couples may be referred to a counselor for pre-marriage counseling.
It is strongly recommended that Catholic parties to be married approach the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist before their ceremony.