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Sacrament of Matrimony
Marriage Preparation
Preparing for a Catholic wedding is about more than the day itself — it is about building a foundation for a lifetime of love, faith, and commitment.
Welcome
Preparing for a Catholic Wedding
Congratulations on your engagement! The Catholic Church rejoices with you as you prepare to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony — a sacred covenant of lifelong love and fidelity.
Marriage preparation is not simply a checklist of requirements. It is a meaningful journey that invites you and your partner to reflect deeply on your relationship, your shared values, and the faith that will sustain you through every season of life.
Our parish pre-Cana course is designed to be practical, spiritual, and personal. Led by married couples and parish clergy, the sessions create space for honest conversation, prayer, and joyful anticipation of your wedding day.
For Engaged Couples
Whether you are both Catholic or from different faith backgrounds, we walk with you.
Flexible Scheduling
Two Saturday sessions, or an approved external course if dates do not suit.
The Course
Parish Pre-Cana Program
Our pre-Cana course covers the essential topics every couple should explore before entering the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Communication & Conflict Resolution
Learn healthy ways to express needs, listen deeply, and navigate disagreements with respect and love.
Faith & Spirituality in Marriage
Explore how shared faith strengthens your bond, and how to pray together and grow spiritually as a couple.
Finances & Stewardship
Discuss budgeting, shared financial goals, generosity, and the practical side of building a life together.
Family & Children
Reflect on your vision for family life, parenting values, and openness to the gift of children.
Intimacy & Commitment
Understand the Church's teaching on the beauty of marital love, fidelity, and lifelong commitment.
Wedding Liturgy Planning
Plan your ceremony together — readings, vows, music, and the order of the wedding Mass or service.
2026 Course Dates
Session 1: Saturday 21 March
Session 2: Saturday 28 March
9:00am – 3:00pm both days
Location
Ron Dyer Centre
42 Ridge St, North Sydney
Morning tea and lunch provided
Who Should Attend
Both partners must attend all sessions. If one partner is not Catholic, they are warmly invited and encouraged to participate fully.
Paperwork
Required Documents
The Church requires certain documents to ensure your marriage is valid and properly recorded. Start gathering these early.
Baptism Certificate
RequiredA recent copy (issued within 6 months) of your Catholic baptism certificate. If baptised elsewhere, a certificate from that church.
Confirmation Certificate
RequiredProof of Confirmation. If not confirmed, speak to the parish office about receiving this sacrament before your wedding.
Freedom to Marry (Affidavit)
RequiredA sworn statement confirming you are free to marry — no previous marriages, annulments, or impediments.
Pre-Nuptial Inquiry Form
RequiredCompleted by your parish priest or the priest officiating your wedding. This is a standard Church form.
Marriage Preparation Course Certificate
RequiredCertificate of completion from an approved pre-Cana or marriage preparation course. Our parish course satisfies this requirement.
Civil Marriage Notice (if applicable)
If you have already had a civil ceremony, documentation of that marriage is required before a convalidation can proceed.
A Helpful Tip
Request your baptism and confirmation certificates as early as possible — some churches take 2–4 weeks to issue them. Certificates must be issued within 6 months of your wedding date.
The Process
Six Steps to Your Wedding Day
From your first enquiry to walking down the aisle — here is what the journey looks like.
Initial Enquiry
Contact the parish office at least 6 months before your intended wedding date. We will send you an information pack and schedule an initial meeting with the priest.
First Meeting with the Priest
Meet with Fr Richard Leonard SJ or the officiating priest to discuss your intentions, complete the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry, and begin gathering required documents.
Marriage Preparation Course
Attend the parish pre-Cana course (two Saturday sessions, 9am–3pm) or an approved external course. Both partners must attend.
Submit All Documents
Provide baptism certificates, confirmation certificates, freedom to marry affidavits, and course completion certificate to the parish office.
Wedding Liturgy Planning
Meet with the priest and music director to plan your ceremony — select readings, music, vows, and any personal elements.
Rehearsal & Wedding Day
A rehearsal is typically held the evening before. On your wedding day, the priest and parish team will guide you through every step.
Your Ceremony
Planning Your Wedding Liturgy
Your wedding ceremony is a sacred liturgy — a moment of grace where you and your partner exchange vows before God and the Church. We want it to be beautiful, personal, and prayerful.
After completing your marriage preparation and submitting documents, you will meet with the priest and our Music Director to plan the details of your ceremony.
Common Questions
Marriage Preparation FAQs
Answers to the questions couples ask most often when preparing for a Catholic wedding.
Get Started
Book a Consultation
Submit your details and our parish team will contact you to arrange an initial meeting with the priest and send you a complete information pack.
Questions About Marriage Preparation?
Our parish team is here to guide you through every step. Whether you are just beginning to think about a Catholic wedding or are ready to book, we are happy to help.