The Archdiocese of Portland and Our Lady of the Lake Parish has put together a helpful and substantial preparation program.  Please allow six-months to complete this process between the time you contact the Marriage coordinator of the parish and time of the wedding. The following items (1-3) should  be completed within the first four months before planning the ceremony.

1. Initial Interview.  The Marriage Coordinator will meet with you and review your application form, discuss any particular circumstances, and determine if your marriage can be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake. You will complete the freedom to marry forms at this time. Witness forms will be completed at a later time. At this time you will receive an information packet further explaining the process listed below and to help plan your ceremony. After this interview you may reserve the church with the parish receptionist. A fee of $100.00 is required and can be paid by check to hold a date.

2. Pre-Marriage Inventory and Counseling:  The couple will take the FOCCUS Inventory (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study). All couples are required to take this inventory. It takes approximately 45 minutes to administer.  Northwest Catholic Counseling Center will contact each couple to arrange for a counselor to discuss the results. There are normally three sessions. If you have any problems, their telephone number is (503) 253-0964. Their main office is located at 8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd, suite 205 ATTN: Shirley Price. Shirley will contact you to schedule the sessions to review the FOCCUS results. The inventory and session will cost $175. Allow at least one month completing this step.

3. Couple Encounters. We ask you to participate in one of the following programs, which address the various aspects of marriage with other Catholic couples. Allow two or three months to accomplish this. Each of the programs is offered at different times to afford the most flexibility in the couple schedule.

a. Engaged Encounter Weekend: This is a weekend retreat at the Collins Retreat Center.

The program is presented by a team of married couples and a priest. The program begins on a Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. Couples are expected to spend time in serious communications with each other. Couple pays for their room and board. These weekends are offered throughout the year. Advance registration is required and enrollment is limited. Call Michael & Nancy Fisher at 503-267-3605. The cost of the weekend is $225.

b. Northwest Engaged Couple classes. This opportunity will allow you to meet with other engaged couples in a group setting. You will find that the program emphasizes skill building in the areas of communication and conflict management. In addition to other necessary skills, it also presents an understating of the marriage as a covenant. The cost is $100.

*** Note, that Northwest Counseling has a third option of completing the classes and the Focus inventory. See the enclosed brochure under the heading "Couple sessions and Classes". The cost is $225.

c. Northwest Family Services: Always Faithful is a series of 3 group classes followed up with 2 individual private sessions cover topics related to success in marriage. Private sessions allow the couple to discuss specific issues and needs. The class series covers the various aspects of marriage and the skills needed to maintain a lifelong commitment including PREP communication model. Always Faithful offers the FOCCUS premarital assessment to assist couples in reviewing their relationship. The FOCCUS assessment will be discussed during the private sessions. The sessions include group presentations, small group discussions, and one-to-one interaction. See brochure under "Always Faithful". Contact: Ruth Hayes-Barba at Phone: 503-215-6377. The cost is $225.00

4. Planning the Wedding Ceremony: when you have completed these steps, you then need to schedule an appointment with the priest discussing the readings and other arrangements for the marriage, and then a meeting with the music director of the parish in planning of the music. You will need to bring a recent copy of your baptism certificate, if it has not been turned in prior to this meeting. You will need to allow at least six weeks for these meetings.

• Freedom to Marry/ Parish Permission- Dispensation Form- Each party must fill out the questionnaire with the priest and answer questioning and sign to freely marry.
• Baptismal Records- Current baptismal records for each person that has been baptized. (If not Catholic, copy of original baptismal certificate or affidavit of baptism)
• Witnesses- Each party needs to have at least one witness come in and fill out a form that you are free to marry, two witnesses are encouraged.
• Natural Family Planning (NFP). This program is a scientifically based method of family planning. Understanding the natural body signs enables couples to know how to effectively avoid or achieve pregnancy.. Couples are encouraged to read the book provided by parish on this topic and discuss it together. Classes are offered through the year and the cost is $90.

• Rehearsal-A wedding rehearsal can be scheduled with the priest witnessing the marriage. The priest will lead the rehearsal. The time and date of rehearsal is at the discretion of the priest and scheduling of the parish.

NOTE: If you are experiencing difficulties at any stage, please contact the Marriage Coordinator or the parish office immediately. All documents and preparation work must be completed prior to the Liturgy Planning. Completing this program is an important condition for celebrating your marriage. It is your responsibility to complete the program on schedule.