Marriage/WEDDINGS AT ST. tHOMAS MORE

Congratulations on your Engagement!

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We are so happy that you have decided to get married in the Catholic Church! The Clergy and Staff of St. Thomas More are here to help and guide you in the process of preparation and planning.

Your first step is to carefully read the information on this webpage and then call the parish office at (434) 237-5911 to make an appointment with a Priest or Deacon.

* Couples desiring to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage should contact the pastor at least six months prior to their expected wedding date. A Priest or Deacon will help the couple with marriage preparation and wedding planning. He will verify your freedom to be married, your understanding of fidelity to God and one another, and your promise to raise children in the Catholic faith. He will also explore with you any obstacles to the Sacrament of Marriage, such as having been marrried before.

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steps to prepare for marriage

​Step 1:  Initial meeting with the Pastor to complete the Prenuptial Investigation paperwork, determine if there are any impediments to the Sacrament of Matrimony,  review the documents required for the marriage file, and schedule a wedding date.

Step 2:  The couple will complete the FOCCUS premarital inventory online and then meet with a Priest or Deacon over 2 or 3 sessions to discuss the results. 

Step 3:  The couple will complete the Unveiled Marriage Preparation Retreat or Engaged Encounter Retreat through the Diocese of Richmond.

Step 4:  The couple will meet with the Priest or Deacon who is celebrating their wedding to discuss the readings and content of the Wedding Liturgy as well as finalize all documentation for the marriage file.

Step 5:  The couple will meet with the Minister of Music to decide on music for the Wedding Liturgy.

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