1603 The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws. . . . God himself is the author of marriage. The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator.... "The well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life. -Catechism of the Catholic Church
If you are looking at our marriage webpage it may mean that you are recently engaged and considering celebrating your marriage here at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are excited for you, and we’ll be praying for you.
There are FOUR SIMPLE STEPS you will need to take to prepare for and celebrate your wedding in our church. It is important to begin this process at least 6 months before you would like to get married. A word to the wise, it is always better to talk to the Priest and reserve the Church before you reserve the place for your reception.
Step One – GATHER INFORMATION -- Please fill out the wedding information form. All of the information is essential, so please be complete in your responses. If you do not know where you were baptized, it is important to find out from your family.
After you fill out the form or call the Parish Office, you will receive a call to schedule an appointment to meet with Msgr. Mike and the date for your wedding. Weddings are scheduled generally for Fridays or Saturdays.
Step Two – MEET WITH MSGR. MIKE -- In the initial meeting, Msgr. Mike will talk to you about what Catholics believe about marriage and explain to you the commitments you are assuming by getting married. He will also give you marriage preparation materials with contact information, let you know what documentation is needed, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If there are no impediments, he will confirm your wedding date.
Step Three – PREPARE FOR YOUR MARRIAGE –- Couples who wish to get married at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church prepare for their marriage by participating in an online marriage program. (Information regarding the Marriage Prep program is provided to you during your initial meeting with Msgr. Mike.)
Step Four— PLAN YOUR CEREMONY, TURN IN REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION & FINAL MEETING WITH MSGR. MIKE -- Once Steps 1-3 are finished all you have to do is complete your Wedding Liturgy Planning Sheet (provided to you during your initial meeting with Msgr. Mike), hand in your documentation, and plan your ceremony.
You’ll want to contact our Music Director, Catherine Thomas, to schedule a meeting with her a month or two before the wedding. (Her contact information was provided to you during your initial meeting with Msgr. Mike.)
You will get a phone call to schedule a final appointment with Msgr. Mike for three to six weeks before the wedding.
Don’t forget to get your wedding license (you can only get it 30 days prior to the date of your wedding) and deliver it to our Parish Center by the Monday before your wedding ceremony.
Once again congratulations, be assured of our prayers, and we can’t wait to meet you.
The Pastoral Staff at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.