Congratulations!

On behalf of all of us at St. Stephen, congratulations on your engagement. We know this is an exciting time in your relationship. Through the love you have for one another, together you have discerned that God is calling you to the vocation of Catholic marriage and family. On your wedding day, you will stand with each other and pledge your lifelong commitment to love one another as husband and wife. You will recall this special day as long as you live.
 
Planning a Catholic Marriage and a Wedding Ceremony at Our Parish

We are blessed to accompany you on your journey to the Sacrament of Marriage. As with all the sacraments of the Catholic faith, the Sacrament of Marriage includes a formation and preparation process. To start you on your journey to a happy, healthy, and holy lifelong marriage, the formation and preparation process includes certain steps. They are outlined below.

Schedule an Introductory Meeting with a Deacon from St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr

St. Stephen Parish welcomes the celebration of Catholic weddings of both registered parishioners and the children of registered parishioners. Couples interested in having their wedding at St. Stephen Parish should first complete the Marriage Inquiry Form,  which will be directed to our team of St. Stephen parish deacons. Within five to seven business days, a deacon will reach out to the couple to schedule an introductory meeting.

Take a Pre-marital Inventory

The Archdiocese of Chicago recommends premarital inventories that are both research and scientifically based with a Catholic understanding of marriage. They are the Catholic Couple Check Up, available at pvm.archchicago.org, or FOCCUS. (Links are found at the bottom of this page.) Both inventories can be taken online. These inventories will be discussed with the couple at the initial introductory meeting with one of our deacons. These inventories help surface issues in your lives that may need further attention or discussion.

Attend a Marriage Preparation/PreCana Class

PreCana/Marriage preparation classes are presently only offered through the Archdiocese of Chicago. St. Stephen does not have a parish-based program at this time. To register for a PreCana class, please visit pvm.archchicago.org or call 312-534-8351. (Links can also be found at the bottom of this page as well as a 2022 schedule of marriage preparation classes offered. )


Attend a Natural Family Planning Class

Learn about the only method of family planning morally acceptable to Catholic teaching. Information can be found on pvm.archchicago.org

Review the St. Stephen Wedding Guidelines Pamphlet

The clergy and staff at St. Stephen look forward to working with you as you plan your marriage and your Catholic wedding. We have put together the Wedding Guidelines Pamphlet to help answer questions that come up during the wedding planning process. We hope that you find this resource helpful.

Please note: Wedding dates are not confirmed on the parish calendar  or "held" until the engaged couple has their introductory meeting with a deacon and a deposit is paid to the church to reserve a specific date and time. (Further details about deposits and fees can be found in the Wedding Guidelines pamphlet.)