A covenant between husband and wife and also God.
Congratulations on your engagement!
A couple living well their marriage covenant becomes a living reflection of the mystery of God’s faithful love for us. Marriage is a soul-shaping journey that takes a lifetime to fully understand. As a Sacrament, Holy Matrimony helps us to grow in holiness and safely reach heaven.
The following steps will help you begin your journey toward a wedding at St. Patrick Catholic church:
1. Contact Kris and George Smith, 402-650-6471 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to begin the process. They will arrange for you to take the FOCCUS pre-marriage education questionnaire online. Once you have completed your FOCCUS questionnaire, they will put you in contact with a Sponsor Couple who will walk you through pre-marriage preparation.
2. Meet with Fr. Joel to complete a the basic information (“the blue form”).
3. Attend one Marriage Preparation workshop. These workshops are currently offered online. Use the link below to find out more about Marriage Prep workshops in the Des Moines Diocese:
4. Attend an Introductory Session on Natural Family Planning at the FertilityCare Center of Omaha. To register for an Introductory Session at the Omaha location or for any other inquiries call (402) 392-0842 , Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Request a copy of your baptism certificates from the churches in which you were baptized and have them sent to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4 Valley View Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.
6. Contact our Parish Manager, Darin Hecker at 712-310-3138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any reservation of the church/hall. This will lock in your wedding date.
