Congratulations on your engagement!  We are honored that you desire to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Mary's.  Couples are asked to contact the parish offices at least 9 months before the date of your wedding.  Below is a brief summary of your next steps:

• Contact the parish offices to check the availability for the date of your wedding.
• After reserving your date, couples will meet with one of our priests to begin preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage.  Marriage preparation will include:
  • Initial meeting with priest and completion of the FOCCUS inventory.
  • Meet with one of our sponsor couples.
  • Attend the Pre-Marriage Seminar Weekend.
  • Complete a full introductory course in Natural Family Planning (NFP).
  • Meet with our Director of Music to plan the ceremony.
  • Submit all necessary documentation and certificates to parish offices.

Before scheduling your wedding at a parish, if either party (Catholic or non-Catholic) has a prior attempt at marriage which has not been dissolved through death or received a Document of Freedom to Marry, please contact the Tribunal Office at the Diocese of Bismarck, 701-204-7203, before contacting the church.

The Diocese of Bismarck Tribunal is staffed by people who have been appointed by the bishop and who have received special education to represent him and the faith community in church judicial proceedings for marriage cases and other matters of Church law. Most of its work involves assisting divorced persons who hope to obtain a declaration of nullity (annulment) of a prior marriage bond, allowing them to remarry in the Church. As such, the Tribunal has a three-fold ministry:

• Protect the integrity of marriage as Christ taught;
• Assist in the exercise of rights given in Church Law for those who are seeking a possible remarriage in the Catholic Church; and
• Help participants experience reconciliation and healing with their faith community insofar as possible.

Persons interested in seeking a declaration of nullity are encouraged to call the Diocese of Bismarck Office of Canonical Services at 1-701-204-7203 or 1-877-405-7435, ext. 118 to schedule a confidential appointment with an auditor, who will explain the annulment process.           
For more information, go to Diocese of Bismarck/annulments