Please call Fr. Bernie at 937-382-2236 to begin your journey of Marriage.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION AT ST. COLUMBKILLE PARISH:

1.  A Catholic is required to be married in a Catholic ceremony, unless a dispensation is obtained. Each of the parties must be free to marry the other, according to Church and civil law (for example; any previous marriages have been declared invalid by a Church tribunal).
2. In accord with Archdiocesan Guidelines, preparation must begin with the priest/deacon at least six (6) months prior to the wedding date.  This will allow the couple to complete the preparation without rushing through it.  No date will be set until the initial meeting with the priest/deacon.
3. The couple will meet with the priest/deacon several times during the preparation period.
4. The FOCCUS instrument (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study) will be used to help the couple explore issues pertaining to married life.
5.  Chastity instruction. This includes teaching on conjugal chastity and fertility awareness.  A full Natural Family Planning course is an approved method that fulfills the chastity instruction.
6. Participation in an Archdiocesan Program is required.  Check the website of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Marriage & Family Office, for program options, dates, and locations, and to register online.
7. If a couple is experiencing serious difficulties in their relationship, pre-marriage counseling, through Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio or another professional counselor will be required.
8. Catholics need to submit an updated copy of their Baptism Certificate, issued from your church of baptism within the last six (6) months.  Those who were baptized in another Christian denomination, who wish to marry a Catholic should submit a copy of their Baptism Certificate, if at all possible.
9. Couples need to obtain an Ohio Civil Marriage License.  It may be obtained at the County Courthouse where one or both of you reside.  Once obtained, it is valid for sixty (60) days.  The license should be given to the priest/deacon witnessing the marriage at least one week before the wedding.
10. Catholics preparing for marriage are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as a spiritual preparation for marriage.