Getting Married at St. Dominic’s

 

Photo Source: Lover of Weddings Photography & CoordinationMatrimony

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (Canon Law 1055). The Sacrament of Matrimony is a marriage in which a man and a woman vow to live in a covenant and partnership for life. When validly contracted between a baptized man and a baptized woman, marriage becomes a sacrament. Civil law allows for a civil contract of marriage between a man and a woman. However, to make this civil union a sacrament in the Catholic Church, the marriage must be blessed by the Catholic Church in the presence of the Church’s minister and before the people of God as witnesses.

Marriage Prep

You should contact the parish office and make an appointment to meet with a priest to begin planning your preparation for marriage at least six months before you plan to be married. Do not make reservations for a reception hall until you have contacted a priest and a date has been agreed upon. The preparation for marriage is a time in your engagement to grow in emotional intimacy and knowledge of one another, and to grow in spiritual understanding of marriage as a sacrament of the Church. The priest will guide you through this preparation period.

 

Convalidation

Some couples have married civilly but not sacramentaly in the Church. A priest can describe to couples on a case-by-case basis how they may have their marriage con-validated, or blessed in the Catholic Church to make it a sacrament. Please call the office to make an appointment with a priest to find out how you may have your civil marriage con-validated.
 
 

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