The Bishops of Missouri have established a policy that all couples wishing to celebrate this sacrament are to notify the parish at least six months prior to their proposed date. This will allow sufficient time for the couple to complete the required FOCCUS survey, to attend the pre-marriage programs and to prepare a proper celebration of the sacrament. Only after the process has begun will the date be entered as definite in the parish calendar. The Church presumes that at least one partner in the marriage is a practicing Catholic. The parish also has its own guidelines that must be followed.