Following the formational phase of marriage preparation, the priest, or deacon, or delegate meets with the engaged couple to complete the marriage preparation process.
The priest, deacon, or delegate helping the couple prepare for marriage is responsible for seeing that catechesis in the Sacrament of Marriage has been completed. Thus, he/she must meet with the couple to discuss the results of their formational program.
By this time, verification of all required documents should be complete. These include a recent copy of the baptismal certificate(s), the prenuptial investigation form, any necessary permissions or dispensations, and evidence of completion of formation programs. If applicable, the affidavit of free status, annulment papers, and death certificate of the previous spouse should be included.
The priest, deacon, or delegate also makes sure the couple knows the civil law requirements for marriage.
During the follow-up session(s) with the priest, deacon, or delegate, final plans for the liturgical celebration may be made. The priest, deacon, or delegate helps the couple understand the various options and choices approved by the diocese (and parish) regarding music, readings, and ritual.
Catholics entering marriage should be encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the wedding ceremony.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is properly encouraged as part of marriage preparation for the Catholic parties. It is appropriate for the couple to prepare themselves for marriage by celebrating Reconciliation. However, absolute moral rectitude is not demanded for sacraments to be celebrated.
Two types of witnesses function at weddings. When the wedding is conducted according to canonical form (a Catholic wedding), there is the “qualified witness” and the “witnesses” (c. 1108).
The qualified witness is the priest or deacon conducting the ceremony.
He must have jurisdiction to witness the exchange of consent.
He must ask for and receive the consent.
The other requirement of canonical form is to have two witnesses to the exchange of consent. The law does not stipulate any special status for these witnesses. They need not be Catholic. The only necessity is that they can witness the consent. This would mean, for example, a baby or a blind person could not be considered witnesses. In fact, as long as two persons are present and witness the consent, they can serve as the witnesses.
When the wedding is not celebrated according to canonical form (if there has been a dispensation), civil law is to be followed concerning how many witnesses and qualifications they need to have.
Catholics may serve as witnesses at weddings of family and friends of other faiths except where there is reason to believe that the marriage to be witnessed is invalid.
The wedding rehearsal may be conducted by the priest or deacon witnessing the marriage or by his representative (e.g., wedding rehearsal coordinator).
The rehearsal is part of the preparation process. It offers an excellent opportunity for the wedding party to join together in prayer.