The Chancellor oversees the diocesan archives and ensures the authenticity of official acts of the Bishop and his delegates. He also assists the Bishop with the granting of dispensations and permissions for marriage and in preparing Letters of Suitability for priests and deacons.
Alabama Marriage Law and Diocesan Policy
In 2019, the State of Alabama changed its laws om what it requres to recognize a civil marriage. In response to the change in the law, the diocese issued an explanation regarding the new law and how it affects the procedures for the solemnization of marriages in the Church. A copy of this is located here: Alabama Marriage Law and Diocesan Marriage Procedures
Diocese of Birmingham Marriage Policy
The Diocese of Birmingham's marriage policy can be found here: Diocesan Marriage Policy
Letters of Good Standing
Most dioceses and shrines require that a priest or deacon have a letter of good standing sent in advance of their arrival, if they plan to assist at the sacraments there. Some dioceses also restrict priestly faculties – they must be requested (apart from emergencies). Therefore, it is always a good idea to request a letter of good standing before a trip.
Please email any Letter of Good Standing requests to: fatherjerabek@bhmdiocese.org.
Please do not wait until the last minute. We understand that sometimes urgent situations arise, such as funerals.
Marriage Permissions and Dispensations
Please download the new form, which is available below. This is a “fillable PDF”, so you can type in your responses before printing, if you wish. Unfortunately, MANY forms arrive incomplete, so please try to filling out this newer, streamlined form completely!
Diocesan Marriage Policy directs that those who prepare couples for marriage should meet with a couple at least six months before the marriage, yet many dispensation request forms come in at the last minute. It is important that the forms be sent in as early as possible in the marriage preparation process.
Freedom to Marry Affidavit or Questionnaire (Fillable PDF)
Request for Rescript of Permission or Dispensation for Marriage (Fillable PDF)
Diocese of Birmingham Pre-Nuptial Investigation Form – 8.5x11” printing format
Diocese of Birmingham Pre-Nuptial Investigation Form – 11x17” printing format
Transfer of Marriage Files OUT of the Diocese
For couples who have undergone marriage preparation in this diocese, but who will be celebrating their wedding outside the Diocese of Birmingham, their marriage file must pass through the Chancellor’s Office. The Chancellor then forwards it to the Chancellor of the diocese where the marriage is taking place with the appropriate permissions (Nihil Obstat), then they forward it to the Catholic church or chapel of the wedding. To assist in having the files sent to the diocese where the marriage is being celebrated, please follow the following steps: