Marriage
Also called the sacrament of Matrimony.
The matrimonial covenant, by which man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.*
PREPARING FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
At least six months before the desired date of marriage, each couple must call for an appointment to talk with the parish priest. The seriousness of entering a Christian Marriage requires the utmost diligence and willingness to be prepared in the best possible way. (Date for Marriage is confirmed when all necessary interviews and paperwork is completed.)
Requirements:
1. MARRIAGE PREPARATION
There are two preparation programs available. A couple who desires to be married at St. Victor Church must choose one of them.
A. MARRIAGE PREPARATION CLASSES
This is a four-session program to provide vocational preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage. The course is presented by loving married couples as a “how we live” rather than a “how to live” approach. Call (408) 251-7055 to arrange. Schedule for 2024:
1. Wednesdays 7-9 pm on May 22, 29
2. Wednesdays 7-9 pm on September 4, 11, 18, & 25
B. DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE MARRIAGE PREPARATION or ENGAGED ENCOUNTER
Register for Marriage Preparation through the Diocese at https://www.dsj.org/evangelization/family-life/marriage-preparation/. This already includes an introduction to Natural Family Planning.
Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience in which an atmosphere is created that enables each couple to concentrate on one another while free from the pressures and interruptions of the world. A separate fee is required. Register at https://sanjose.engagedencounter.com/reservations/ or call Call (408) 867-7753 to arrange.
2. FOCCUS INVENTORY
Facilitating, Open, Couple, Communication, Understanding and Study…..This program is a self-diagnostic inventory designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. It is a tool to help couples name and work through issues before marriage.
After completing the inventory, a couple report is prepared and a facilitator will work with them to look at patterns in their responses and to discuss issues. This tool provides individual feedback to strengthen communication.
3. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
Couples must also attend a Natural Family Planning course in keeping with Catholic values at St. Victor. There is a course offered by The Couple to Couple League at https://ccli.org/ or one offered by the Diocese of San Jose at https://www.dsj.org/evangelization/family-life/natural-family-planning/.
4. NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
So that he may finalize the date of your marriage, the following documents must be given to the priest as soon as possible:
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Recent copies of Baptismal Certificates – not copies of original.
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Sworn testimony of bride and groom.
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Sworn testimony of closest relative or friend of
bride and groom.
Another appointment with the priest should be made when all of the above has been completed.
*The bride and groom must apply for Marriage License and bring it to the marriage ceremony for the priest to sign and the Parish Office to send to the Marriage Registrar.
For out-of-parish weddings, St. Victor’s requires a full and complete copy of all documentation affirming the validity of the proposed wedding, the preparation of the couple and the delegation of any out-of-parish clergy proposed to officiate. This package is to be sent to St. Victor’s Church, no later than one month prior to the proposed wedding date.
Weddings are scheduled on Saturdays at 10:00 A.M., 12 Noon and 2:00 P.M. Weddings for a different time and day will be dependent on the availability of the priest and the church. No weddings will be scheduled on Sundays. It is parish policy that no more than one out-of parish wedding may be scheduled for any available Saturday. Out-of-parish weddings are those between two non-parishioners of St. Victor’s.
Persons under 19 years of age must enter a special counseling program and receive approval from the Bishop before a wedding date can be set.
5. FEES
Current fees for weddings at St. Victor includes the wedding coordinator and are as follows:
Regular Parish Schedule -- $700.00
Weekdays -- $1000.00
The wedding date will not be reserved for you until a 50% deposit is received.
6. COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Current Santa Clara County COVID-19 restrictions apply. Please contact the Parish Office at 408-251-7055 for limits and other details, as they may change.