ST. MARY OF THE PINES

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).