Matrimony

Matrimony

“The Sacrament of Matrimony establishes between a man and woman
a partnership for their whole life.”

The Sacrament of Matrimony

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning your wedding can be one of the most exciting times of your life. We want to help you plan a wedding ceremony that is spiritual and sacramental in accordance with the Catholic belief that marriage is a lifelong commitment and that it is a sacrament when it occurs between two baptized Christians.

The Church expects parishioners to be married in their own parish where they regularly worship and participate in parish life.  When an exception is permitted, the Catholic must have a letter from their own pastor granting permission for them to be married outside their parish. 

What to do first?

Parish registration – The exchange of wedding vows in the Catholic Church (Holy Matrimony) is a sacrament when it occurs between two baptized Christians. All sacraments, including marriage, are celebrated in the presence of a faith community. Also, registration as a member of our faith community signifies your commitment to practicing the Catholic faith which includes regular attendance at Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis, and living other basics of the Catholic faith. For these reasons, we require that at least one member of the engaged couple (or one of their parents) be a registered parishioner for one year or longer before preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony may begin. Children of Holy Family parishioners who are members of another parish must provide us with a letter showing that we have that parish’s permission to perform their marriage.

Days and times for weddings – Wedding ceremonies may take place at Holy Family on Friday or Saturday. To accommodate our housekeeping and liturgy schedules, Saturday weddings may be held no later than 1 p.m. in the afternoon. Friday weddings may be held late afternoon or in the evening. Although weddings may be celebrated at Holy Family during Advent and Lent, we prefer other times of the year for this celebration because of the prayerful and penitential nature of these seasons.

Any questions you have please contact the parish office, 757-481-5702