The Sacrament of Matrimony
God is the author of marriage. Christ raised the marital covenant between baptized persons to the dignity of a sacrament.
- Purpose (CCC 1601). Marriage is ordered toward the good of the spouses, which is unitive, and the procreation and education of children, which is procreative.
- Matrimonial consent (CCC 1628). Mutual consent forms the marriage. That consent must be a free act of the will, lacking any coercion or external pressure.
- Indissolubility (CCC 1640). A ratified and consummated marriage between baptized persons forms an irrevocable bond that human power cannot dissolve.
- Sign of Christ’s love (CCC 1661). Christian marriage mirrors the total, self-sacrificing love of Christ for His Church.
Where to begin
Call the parish office to begin. Preparation takes time, so start the conversation well before you set a date with a venue.
If you are engaged to be married, our Marriage Ministry will meet with you to begin the required preparation and to assist in planning your wedding ceremony.
If you are civilly married and are seeking to have your marriage convalidated, our Marriage Ministry will meet with you to discuss next steps. Convalidation brings a civil marriage, or a marriage formed outside the Church, into the Catholic faith.
- When to start
- At least six months aheadBefore booking a venue
Preparation and planning
Prenuptial preparation involves completing documentation and pre-Cana training.
We also offer the opportunity to facilitate the discussion of your FOCCUS premarital inventory. Planning your wedding ceremony includes selecting Scripture readings and music, and other aspects of your special liturgy.
Please see our marriage preparation guide for more information, including documents, fees, rehearsal and ceremony policies, and the order of the liturgy.
Our two churches
Couples may marry in either of our two churches.
The Old Church, built in 1910, is the one most couples ask for: small, warm, and full of the parish’s history.
The New Church, from 1997, seats a larger congregation, is full of natural light, and is also well suited for a beautiful wedding.
