Sacramental Preparation and Documentation

1. Marriage preparation

Complete a program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Pre-Cana and similar programs are available in English, Spanish, or Polish, online and in person.

Register through Parish Vitality and Mission or contact precana@archchicago.org at 312.534.8351. Program fees are set at registration and are separate from the chapel fee.

2. Premarital inventory

Online inventories help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. They often surface questions that have never been asked. You may use FOCCUS or the Catholic Couple Checkup. Ask your priest or deacon which one he prefers.

3. Prenuptial marriage file

Your priest or deacon interviews you, assembles the file, and submits the complete file no later than 30 days before the wedding to:

The file typically includes recent baptismal certificates, prenuptial questionnaires, the marriage-preparation certificate, proof of the inventory, and any required permissions, dispensations, or affidavits. Your preparing minister will advise you if other documents are required.

Once you are within six months of your wedding date, request a newly issued baptismal certificate from the parish where you were baptized. Ask that parish to send the certificate directly to the priest, deacon, or pastoral minister preparing your canonical marriage file. Do not send baptismal certificates, prenuptial papers, or other confidential sacramental records to Saint James Chapel. Your preparing minister assembles the complete file and submits it to the Rector at least 30 days before the wedding.

Bring the Cook County marriage license to the rehearsal.

4. Visiting clergy

If the celebrating priest or deacon is from outside the Archdiocese of Chicago, a letter of endorsement from his bishop or superior goes to:

That letter is not mailed with baptismal certificates to the chapel.