Marriage
Marriage in the Church is a sacred event – a sacrament and a sign of God's love within the Christian community.
The expression of this mutual love by a man and woman promising to be faithful to each other through life is a source of joy to the entire Christian community.
May you find happiness as husband and wife on your wedding day and all the days of your life.
Below you will find initial contact information for those wishing to have their weddings celebrated at St. Joseph's parish as well as considerations for the wedding planning.
If you decide to move forward with marriage preparation / wedding plans at our parish, make sure to download the official brochure at the bottom. May God bless you!
Wedding Celebration
Prayer builds unity
When couples pray together, they invite God into their relationship. In the Bible, there’s a well-known idea that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)—often interpreted as husband, wife, and God together.
Sacraments and Dispensations
For a Catholic wedding, at least one party must be a fully initiated Catholic, meaning they have received: Baptism First Holy Communion and Confirmation. A Catholic could marry a non-Catholic, but this requires a dispensation (official permission) from the Church. If someone has not yet received Confirmation they can be prepared through the OCIA program. OCIA is designed for adults seeking to complete their sacraments or become a catholic. for more details about OCIA, visit our website. STJMOD.COM
Live in love, as Christ loved us!
Previous Marriages
if you had a previous civil marriage outside the Catholic Church or a catholic marriage you will need to schedule an appointment with our priest. Please note: you must be free to marry in the Catholic Church
Marriage Preparation Process
The preparation period takes a
Minimum of 9 months to a year. This allows couples to fully engage in all required steps, including:
The NFP (Natural Family Planning) This course last 3 month understanding fertility and responsible parenthood and family planning in line with the teachings of the Catholic church.
Marriage Preparation program.
This includes pre-marital counseling, mentorship, and /or structured sessions designed to help couples build strong foundation for married life.
Natural Family Planning
Requirement for Marriage
Preparation at St. Joseph's Church Instructions
1. Go to ccli.org (The Couple to Couple League International website)
Register for the NFP video-based class series. There are four class options for materials. (Class material with thermometer is the lowest price at $170.00. If you like a hard copy of the classes in a detailed student guide form, this will be a higher cost but worth it).
Add to cart. Next, you will complete personal information and in the diocese section you will pick CA-Stockton.
2. The class series and chart review will take about 3 months to complete. Please plan accordingly.
3. When class series is completed, you will receive a class completion certificate from CCL. At this time, you need to contact Tom and Mary-Lynn Ott (your mentor couple) to book a chart review appointment.
4. When the appointment is complete you will receive a course completion certificate from Tom and Mary-Lynn Ott. This second certificate shows you completed the NFP requirement for marriage preparation in our diocese. Bring this certificate to the parish office. Thank you.
5. Any questions regarding NFP please contact:
Mary-Lynn Ott R.N. CCL certified NFP teacher, 209-275-9067 tmott@fertilityu.com (preferred contact)
Wedding Hymns List
UNITED IN CHRIST MUSIC RESOURCE
Send Us Your Spirit
Mary's Song
0 Sanctissima
Hail Mary: Gentle Woman
Ubi Caritas
Taste and See
Pan De Vida
Panis Angelicus
One Bread, One Body
Let There be Peace on Earth
Prayer of St. Francis
Pescador de Hombres
Blest are they
Servant Song
Summons
Jesu Joy of Our Desiring
Send Us Your Spirit
Ubi Caritas
Center of My Life
For the Beauty of the Earth
Like a Shepherd
You are Mine
Eye has not Seen
You are Near
Christ be Our Light
We are the Light
Fire of Love
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Verum
The Prayer
WORSHIP HYMNAL
I am the Bread of Life
Jesus My Lord
God with Hidden Majesty
What Wondrous Love is This
You satisfy the Hungry Heart
Lord of all Hopefulness
Immaculate Mary
Hail Holy Queen
Sing of Mary
Morning has Broken
Let all M01ial Flesh
When Love is Found
Joyful, Joyful
Download and Return
Nonregistered parishioners $1,500.00
Full Mass $900.00
Convalidation NO Mass less than 25 guests $150.00 (weekday)
Convalidation (NO Mass) with Music $450.00
Wedding Fees
Contact
Want to get married here at St. Joseph's Catholic Church?
Or visit us in person at the parish office.
Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
We pray your marriage will be happy and holy!