Sacrament of Matrimony
Please allow a minimum of six full months to prepare for matrimony. It is essential that you actively engage in this significant opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on and prepare for the Sacrament you wish to receive. All diocesan regulations concerning marriage preparation and Matrimony must be followed. Any exceptions to these regulations must receive approval from the Bishop of the Diocese of Boise or his delegate.
Understanding the Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Ceremony
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30-45 minutes long.
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Includes readings from scripture, music, preaching, vows, and a blessing.
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Can be performed by a deacon or a priest.
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Usually appropriate for:
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Those who do not attend Mass each weekend or do not use the sacrament of confession.
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When one of the parties is a baptized Christian, but not Catholic.
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Required when one of the parties is not a baptized Christian.
Wedding Mass
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1+ hour(s) long.
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Includes everything from the ceremony, plus the celebration of the Eucharist.
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Must be performed by a priest.
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Appropriate for:
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Both parties are Catholic and actively practicing their faith (weekly Sunday Mass, regular confession, etc.)
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A substantial number of people present know what the Catholic meaning of Holy Communion is and are disposed to partake in it.
Convalidation
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Already married but outside the Catholic Church
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Wedding Ceremony is appropriate
Steps for setting the Date
Please fill out the marriage request form on our website. This will provide us with your necessary contact information for our records.
Matrimony Request Form
We will contact you to schedule your first meeting within 5-7 days after your request is received, with more information on the matrimony sacrament.
If you do not hear from us, please call the parish office at 208-459-3653
Before your first meeting, secure the following documents:
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Baptismal Certificate, including all notations (Contact your baptismal church for the current certificate)
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State Marriage License
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Additional documents if previously married: Civil divorce decree, Decree of Nullity from the Catholic Marriage Tribunal or Death Certificate if a widow
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During the initial meeting with the Matrimony Advocate:
• The bride and groom will complete their necessary pre-marriage paperwork.
• The paperwork will then be reviewed to determine if any additional documentation is needed.
Testimony of Freedom:
Witnesses will also complete the required forms (one witness for the Bride and one witness for the Groom). Select witnesses who know you.
After finalizing the paperwork, a Matrimony date can be set.
What are the specific information couples will need to know?
What do the couples need to decide about the liturgical details.