For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to another person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

At St. John the Apostle we support our parishioners as they prepare for and continue to commit to their marriages. May your lives be blessed through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

First of all - congratulations! We are excited to help you as you prepare for your life together. Below are the steps you should take when preparing for your marriage ceremony:

• Schedule Orientation Meeting - Call us at (817) 284-4811 or submit the form below. This meeting will help you understand the process involved in having your wedding at St. Johns including marriage preparation programs, music and liturgy planning, reservations, rehearsals and other important information.
• Prior to your meeting:
  • Complete the Marriage Preparation Worksheet (versión en español) - Submit this via email or drop it off at the office, Attn: Marriage Preparation Coordinator.
  • Get Baptismal Certificates - Contact the parish you were baptized at and request copies be mailed to:      

• Wedding Program - If you will have a printed program for your ceremony, you must submit the proof via email or drop it off at the office, Attn: Family Life Director for final approval at least two weeks before the ceremony.
  • St. John's does not prepare wedding programs, however, this sample can help guide you.

At St.John the Apostle, we wish to support you in your vocation and have gathered some resources for your use to strengthen and build your marriage.

www.foryourmarriage.org

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' initiative to strengthen and support married couples and those preparing for marriage.

www.wwme.org

• World Wide Marriage Encounter is a marriage enrichment program that allows you and your spouse to get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on each other. More than simply listening to lectures about how to improve your marriage, you will actually be improving your marriage through the activities of the weekend.

www.retrouvaille.org

• A resource for troubled marriages, this program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Many couples have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending.

www.maritalhealing.com/maritalwebinars.php

• From the Institute of Marital Healing, several webinars and on-line videos are available to assist you in your marriage.

www.familylifecenter.net

• Family Life Center International is committed to supporting family life throughout the world. They have resources for married couples in the “Marriage Builders” section of their website.