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If you as a couple have been married outside of the Catholic Church and now wish to bring your marriage into the Church, we look forward to walking with you as you grow in your understanding and appreciation of Catholic marriage. We will help prepare you for marriage in the Church, enrich and strengthen your relationship together and with God. Being married in the Catholic Church is special in that baptized couples enter a sacramental union, which represents a visible sign of an invisible
reality. As a result, Catholics can fully receive and participate in the sacramental life of the Church. The sacramental relationship between husband and wife becomes a mirror, reflecting the sacrificial and loving relationship of Jesus for his people.
What are the Benefits of a Catholic Marriage?
The Church respects that you’ve entered into a life-long covenant and encourages you to deepen your commitment further by receiving the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Is My Marriage Recognized by the Catholic Church?
When someone has been previously married and wishes to marry in the Catholic Church, the Church needs to determine if that previous marriage was valid. If it is determined that the individual was invalidly married, a declaration of nullity is granted, and the individual is free to be married. At that point, the couple is free to pursue preparation for marriage in the Catholic Church. Those who petition for annulment are at times motivated by a desire to seek peace and as a result can receive
healing from the wound of a failed marriage. Catholics and those wishing to marry a Catholic should inquire with their pastor to see if a declaration of nullity is needed. More information can be found HERE.
What is the process of bringing a civil marriage into the Catholic Church?
Just as with any sacrament within the Catholic Church, individuals can expect a time of preparation, including gathering the needed paperwork. This preparation will be customized to the specific situation and needs of the couple seeking marriage in the Church. You can expect a time of study and reflection on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony as well as an enrichment and strengthening of your marriage relationship. Additionally, you will be encouraged to deepen your personal relationship with God and be provided guidance and encouragement to depend on God more closely in your married life together. The marriage ceremony is typically a small and intimate ceremony.
Please contact Helen Oesterle, [email protected] or the Pastor for more information.