The Diocese of Shreveport, and all Dioceses of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, requires that marriage arrangements be made no less than 6 (six) months in advance of the marriage date.
Pre-marital instructions are required:
Recent Baptism Certificate for bride and groom, no more than six (6) months old.
Confirmation is encouraged but not required.
Neither party, Catholic nor non-Catholic, may have been through a church or a civil marriage ceremony.
If either party has been married previously, civil or church wedding/Catholic or NOT, the previous marriage(s) must be examined to determine if the party is free to marry. A civil divorce does not grant freedom to marry again.
Pre-Cana process.
If you are from another parish or are from out of town or state, a letter of permission from home pastor is required for you to be married at St. Mary’s.
If one of the parties is not Catholic, proof of Baptism in his/her Christian faith community is required (a certificate, letter, or sworn testimony concerning baptism from a close relative or friend).