You already have a beautiful gown, designed and measured to fit every shape and curve of your body perfectly. You’ve already chosen the flowers that will decorate the aisle to make your wedding look like it’s straight out of a fairytale. You’ve already booked the reception, hair and makeup artists, photographers, and caterers for your big day.
It seems like you’ve already taken care of everything that we mentioned in our ultimate wedding guide, except for one thing – the canonical interview.
Ah yes, the canonical interview. There are a million things that couples stress over when it comes to their wedding day: entourage, menu, wedding favors, etc. For those who are planning on saying their vows in front a priest, the canonical interview is an additional prerequisite before you can say “I do.”
Everything You Wanted To Know About Marriage Prep
Those who got married or are getting married in the Catholic Church, do you remember what kinds of questions the Priest asked when first meeting? Did they ask if you lived together? If so, was it an issue?
Tomorrow, my fiancé and I will be meeting with the Priest who will be marrying us in the Catholic Church.
Question 1: How are we going to focus on our faith together?
You have to consider how the two of you will make your faith a focal point of the marriage. Consider what can unite the two of you and how you can turn to your religion in times of need.
Think of what you can do to focus on your faith every day of your marriage. Such Catholic pre-marriage questions encourage couples to find ways to find a balance between their marriage and their faith.
Recommended – Online Pre Marriage Course
There can be all sorts of reasons for this – father may have been called to the hospital in the middle of the night or have come from a difficult meeting. The parish secretary may be caring for a dying parent or a truant child – yes indeed – we are normal people, with everyday worries and stresses.
While there are variations in the paperwork requirements in each state or country, usually the following is required:
It also means that there are protocols for the wedding liturgy that aren’t open for negotiation, although we do try to be accommodating where we can. Some things that can’t be changed are the words of the wedding vows, the use of scripture for the readings, and the use of appropriate music. Within this are some options – for example, you can choose which scripture readings and intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful) to include.
Most couples find this formation experience extremely valuable. The specific formation requirements vary from parish to parish but generally will include:
Each parish has its own schedule of fees. Some have an all-inclusive fee and some separate the fees according to venue, preparation course(s), celebrant stipend (A ‘stipend’ is a gift payment, not a professional fee). Some parishes also include a fee for flowers, especially if the church regularly has more than one wedding each weekend.
What happens during a canonical interview?
Each parish has its own canonical interview process but generally, it will include:
Before the canonical interview takes place, you and your partner have to answer a form that covers basic questions about the Catholic principles on marriage. It also tackles personal questions about you and your partner. For instance, some questions are about the qualities that attract you to your fiancé or your feelings on secrets and past relationships.
After you’ve finished answering the questionnaire, you’ll have a one-on-one meeting with the priest who will officiate your wedding. Either you or your partner will go first. During this part, the priest will just validate your answers to the questionnaire and provide his own perspective or thoughts to your answers. Think of it as a friendly chat with a tito who just wants to offer some advice.
Some churches will require you and your fiancé to have a couple interview. During the interview, you’ll be answering much more personal questions about your relationship. The priest may ask the both of you to talk about the experiences you had when you first met, how the both of you fell in love, the causes of major fights, and what keeps the both of you together. Tip: bring tissues because if you’re sensitive and sentimental like me, these types of questions might move you to tears.
Once you pass the canonical interview, the priest will hand over a letter that you’ll submit to each of your respective parishes. The letters will request for the marriage banns to be posted for three consecutive weeks on your parish. This lets the public know that you’re getting married.
FAQ
What questions do they ask in Catholic marriage prep?
- Question 1: How are we going to focus on our faith together?
- Question 2: How will we raise our kids and instill religion into their lives?
- Question 3: What will holidays be like, and how can we create new traditions and faithful acts?
- Other relevant questions.
What kind of questions are asked in Pre-Cana?
- How many times a week would you want to have sex?
- What is your best sexual fantasy?
- What is the most reliable way to achieve satisfaction?
- What turns you off?
- What gets you in the mood?
- Do you have any fears about sex?
What do priest talk about in premarital counseling?
How do you prepare for a Catholic wedding?
- Attend premarital counseling. Many of the issues Catholics face regarding their marriages are the same for non-Catholic couples. …
- Natural family planning. …
- Effort is required. …
- Use your engagement time wisely. …
- Consider church holidays. …
- Dress code. …
- Select the bridal party. …
- Select the music.
