Questions We're Often Asked

Six important questions are often asked by couples who inquire about our ministry to the engaged. We will briefly answer them here, but encourage you to discuss any points you don't fully understand with one of our priests.

1. Do we have to go to counseling?

Most couples are not any more comfortable with a clergyman who doesn't seem to care enough to meet with them than with one who seems to make them jump through a lot of hoops.

Our couples meet three times with us before marrying. The first, a group meeting, is held on selected Sundays from 1:00 - 5:30 P.M. The second meeting, which is an individual appointment with your priest, lasts about an hour and is scheduled at a convenient time. The third, again a group meeting, is held on another scheduled Sunday from 3:30 - 5:30 P.M.

Our meetings are productive, interesting, and even fun! By the time your priest stands before you on your wedding day, you will have built rapport with him and your ceremony will be even more wonderful than you had hoped it would be.

A schedule of group meetings is provided below.

2. Do you make exceptions regarding preparation for couples with special circumstances, like out of state residence?

Yes, we do. Simply call us and we will work out an alternative plan.

3. I am divorced. How does the American Catholic Church view second marriages?

People who are divorced can still celebrate a Catholic wedding witnessed by one of our priests without a church annulment. For more information on the similarities and differences of our churches, click here.

For a detailed article on our position on divorce and remarriage, click here.

4. Will the Roman Catholic Church recognize this marriage?

The answer depends on the circumstances of each couple. We do not, however, claim to satisfy the dictates of Roman Catholic canon law regarding validity of the Sacrament of marriage celebrated by Roman Catholics. It would be best to discuss this with one of our priests if it is a concern.

5. What should we look for when choosing a "Catholic priest" to officiate at a wedding location other than a parish church?

In evaluating prospective Catholic clergy, couples with this special need should be aware of some important facts.

1. Always ask a prospective officiant about where he received his seminary education and ordination, as well as the nature of his present ecclesiastical assignment. Many claiming to be priests lack education, experience, and competence.
   
2. Beware of priests who claim they can grant a bride and/or groom annulments of former marriages.
   

   • Such annulments are recognized only by the priest or by his independent diocese. They are not recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.
     

   • These annulments will probably cost couples additional fees over and above the fee for their wedding.
3. Couples should be aware that priests claiming to have special permission from the Roman Catholic Church to perform weddings outside of a parish church, simply because they are "retired" priests, are being less than honest.
4. Good Shepherd Church is staffed by priests who have been educated in Roman Catholic Seminaries and who have previously served in Roman Catholic assignments. The genuine pastoral concern and unmistakable rapport that are part of the relationship between our priests and couples assure them of a wonderful marriage liturgy. To meet the priests of Good Shepherd, click here

6. How long will the ceremony take?

The length of a couple's ceremony largely depends on the preferences of bride and groom. Their priest acts as a consultant to assist them in planning their ceremony.The Roman Catholic marriage liturgy is very flexible and offers many options. If a couple chooses a Catholic ceremony comprised of the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of Marriage, the length of the ceremony is almost always about 30 minutes. If their location is suitable, and the couple desires a Nuptial Mass and Communion, the ceremony lasts from about 45 to 50 minutes.

7. Will we be limited to the use of sacred music for our ceremony?

No. Music that has special meaning for a couple or which would impact their guests according to the couple's wishes, may be selected and performed at their wedding ceremony, even if it is not sacred music.

8. Are your priests familiar with our special ethnic customs?

Yes. Our priests have performed many ceremonies which include, for example, the Filipino customs of the candles, coins, veil, and cord, and the Hispanic lazo, arras, and rosario y libro.

9. When can we begin the preparation for our wedding?