Marriage
Marriage is the lifelong commitment of seeking the personal Jesus in your spouse. When things go our way as a couple, it's easy to forget about Jesus. Or, when we get angry, or a health issue arises, it is easy to feel that Jesus is not present. Only through a husband and wife sharing in personal prayer to a personal God can we recognize things differently. We can recognize our victories as God’s victories. And, even in the face of serious illness, we can be there for our spouse as the hands and face of Jesus himself.
Although a deacon or priest is required to witness a Catholic marriage, the proper ministers of marriage are the couple themselves. In a public ceremony at the Church, the couple expresses their proper intention to marry by saying, “I take you to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
Marriage is a call to give oneself to one’s spouse as fully as Christ gave himself to the Church.
USCCB, Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan
Getting married at SJE
For those who wish to get married, there are a number of commitments that indicate the appropriate disposition for celebrating and receiving the Sacrament.
These commitments include:
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being an active, registered member of the Parish for at least six months before scheduling a wedding consultation to start the marriage preparation process,
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completion of mentoring sessions,
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optional, orientation in natural family planning (NFP), and
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a half-day seminar with Mass.
These events can all be scheduled on an individual basis except for the half-day seminar, which is only scheduled in summer and in winter.
Parishioners are asked to please get in touch with the Parish Office at least six months in advance and before you book any facilities. Please do not book your facilities before scheduling your wedding day with the church.
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For those interested in learning more about Jesus and the Catholic faith, please visit Becoming Catholic. The RCIA journey is the process by which you consider becoming Catholic.