Catholics recognize in the Sacrament of Marriage a covenant, a gift of unconditional love connected to God's Covenant with all humanity to whom he gives complete love. This covenant is created when a man and a woman freely choose to form, in God's image, a marriage.
In committing themselves in Christian marriage the couple accepts to grow in faith and to make this faith concrete in their daily lives. The couple's openness to the gift of children is a sign of their willingness to allow their faith and love to become fruitful by enriching the wider human family.
Couples seeking to celebrate a wedding at Saint Mary's prepare by seeking to understand more deeply the commitment that they are about to undertake. Couples are encouraged to contact the parish priest at least six months to a year before the proposed wedding date.
Couples preparing for marriage participate in a process of preparation, with other qualiied married couples, which includes honest reflection on issues pertinent to marriage. This might take place within a regularly scheduled Couple-to-Couple Ministry program or on an Engaged Encounter Retreat Weekend.
Weddings between two Catholics take place in the parish church of either the bride or the groom or at another Catholic Church with the Pastor's permission. The liturgy, depending on the circumstances, may or may not include the celebration of Mass.
Weddings between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic may be celebrated in either the Church of the Catholic party or in the church of the non-Catholic party. Clergy of either or both churches may be invited to participate.
Weddings between a Catholic and a non-Christian may be celebrated in a church or some other place appropriate to the celebration of Marriage.
In all cases, couples are asked to carefully plan the liturgy so as to reflect the sacredness of the event. Materials and resources are provided to assist in doing this.
For more information concerning the Sacrament of Marriage, please contact the parish office at: 508.278.2226 or by our parish email.