Marriage

The Sacrament of Marriage

In the Catholic Church, marriage is a covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership for the whole of life. This covenant is ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Between the baptized, marriage has been raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament.

Getting Married in Our Parish

Couples wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in our parish should contact the parish office at least six months before their intended wedding date. This allows sufficient time for the required marriage preparation.

Requirements

• At least one party should be a Catholic (dispensations may be granted for mixed marriages)
• Both parties must be free to marry
• Couples must complete an approved marriage preparation program
• Required documentation must be submitted to the parish office
• Meetings with the Parish Priest are required

Marriage Preparation

The Church requires couples to participate in marriage preparation to help them understand the meaning of Christian marriage and prepare for a lifetime together. This may include:

• Pre-marriage courses (e.g., Centacare Marriage Preparation)
• Meetings with the priest or deacon
• Completion of a pre-marriage inventory (e.g., FOCCUS)
• Discussion of the marriage liturgy and readings

Documentation Required

• Recent baptismal certificates (issued within 6 months)
• Confirmation certificates
• Evidence of freedom to marry (e.g., single status, or annulment decree if applicable)
• Completed marriage preparation paperwork
• Civil marriage notice documents

Wedding Ceremony

Weddings may take place at either St John XXIII Church or Holy Trinity Church. The ceremony can be celebrated within Mass (Nuptial Mass) or as a Liturgy of the Word with the exchange of vows.