Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

I am going to call up/show up at my parish to a) request a copy of my confirmation cert. and b) to ask for a letter releasing me from that church..

Do i just come right out and ask for that letter?? I'm confused and don't know anything about this, help!

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

You may need to meet with the priest. Some make you go through a meeting/discussion with the priest and present proof of having completed pre-cana so he can 'approve' the marriage.

The priest from our parish (in CA) gave us the letter only after all church obligations were completed (focus test, family testimonials, pre-cana).

Call your parish and ask them what the process is.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Thanks!! I will!

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

I just called and the girl who answered took a message for the person who handles that sort of thing and when I told her that I needed a copy of my confirmation cert., she told me that I wouldn't need it?!? that i would only need my baptismal cert.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

I thought you just had to get your baptism cert and all your info communion and confirmation is already on there. That is what my priest told me. Marcella I would double check with your priest. OOPS I meant your church where you were baptized.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

True - you only need your baptismal certificate. I was baptized Greek Orthodox so I had to bring my confirmation record.

As for the letter, I was a little nervous calling because I assumed they would get their backs up about it and give me a hard time but much to my surprise - it was no problem.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Stef, you hit it right on the money.. lol I was almost scared to call thinking they'd be defensive or tell me NO! lol

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

By the way...there is a 'charge' for the letter. I don't even remember what the charge so it couldn't have been a lot but just don't go there empty handed.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Most churches do not have a problem giving you the letter. Just call and ask what the process is.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

My church said I needed proof of both my confirmation and baptizism. I had no problems getting either (they were from 2 different churchs). I just called and had it mailed to me. FI was also baptized and confirmed at 2 different churches but was able to get the info from one church (where he was confirmed). Also, these certifcates have to be within 6 months of your marriage date.

As far as the letter of release, we were also scared about this. My FI called the church 2 days ago and the receptionist gave him a really hard time. Asked if we give envelopes and all this stuff. She also said he would need to meet with the priest for like an hour. We were nervous because neither of us are chruch go'er's and we were afraid what they would say or ask. When the priest called my FI back, he was very nice. Said just stop in and he will have it ready for us. Now we just have to go pick it up. (I think he just asked if we completed our pre-cana).

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

what was the 'charge?'

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

I'm getting married in the church I was baptized, communioned and confirmed in. So, I didn't need a letter. But FH needed to show his baptizmal certificate and he had to show that he made his communion because he was never confirmed.

Basically...every church is different so you need to find out what your church needs!

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Yes, there is a small charge (go figure!). I think it was $3 to get a copy of my Baptisimal certificate. I made both my Communion and Confirmation at the church where I will be married.

I just sent a letter and a check to my former parish asking for a copy of my certificate. I got it in about 2 weeks.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

we had no charges, not for getting the baptism certificates or for the letter (different churches)

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

my baptismal cert cost 10$ from church in brooklyn.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

wow...neither FI or I had any charges and we went to 5 different churchs to get the info..guess we were lucky!

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Do I just call up and tell the church (the one that I plan on getting married in) where I'd like to get married what they need from me to get married there? or what..I'm sorry for being soo stupid.. but I don't know about any of this..

thanks again..

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Yes, just call and ask....no you are not being stupid! Everyone asks these questions. My church gave me a list of rules when I booked them and met with the priest.

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

haha.. I just feel retarded.. I guess having gone to catholic school with those nuns when I was little, scared the poo out of me! lol Thanks sweetie! I appreciate it!

Re: Need help again, my fellow Catholic brides...

Marcella - which church did you decide on?