Marriage

Marriage

In the vocation of marriage, a man and a woman commit themselves to one another, “in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.” This union is, by its very nature, permanent, faithful and open to children. As Catholics, we understand marriage to be a Sacrament — an instrument and sign of God’s grace. When a man and a woman enter into this covenant of marriage, they receive a Sacrament where “authentic married love is caught up into divine love” (Gaudium et Spes, 48). They receive the sacramental grace to “help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and educating their children” (Lumen Gentium, 11).

Marriage Preparation is required for all couples wanting to marry in the Catholic Church. Before the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony can be celebrated, the Church requires us to make an assessment of your readiness for marriage. For this reason, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires at least one year of preparation prior to the wedding date, as this allows an engaged couple to meet with the priest for formation, meet with a married couple to enhance communication on a wide range of topics, and do the required paperwork.. Couples are encouraged to contact their parish well in advance of their desired wedding date.

The first step in the marriage preparation process is to request an initial meeting with the pastor. (Please know the actual celebrant for your wedding will be determined at a later date.) At that meeting, a tentative date and time for the wedding and the wedding rehearsal will be established. Those dates will remain tentative until all marriage preparation has been completed and the necessary documentation is supplied.

Please contact your Parish Office to inquire about marriage preparation and meeting with our pastor.