Marriage

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31-32)

The ordinary minister for the Sacrament of Marriage is not a Priest or a Deacon, as is usually thought, but the couple themselves. The rite begins with a Priest or Deacon addressing the couple to be married. In this address, Marriage is described as a Sacrament of enrichment and strengthening and the duties of Marriage are to be assumed in mutual and lasting fidelity.

The self-gift of one to the other is then pledged in the declaration of consent by the Bride and the Groom, and is given expression in the exchange of rings, in the name of the Trinity. The exchange of vows can take place either within a Mass or within a ceremony:





 

Getting Married at the Church of Saint Patrick

Couples who are contemplating marriage here at Church of St. Patrick must contact the Parish Center at least six months before the anticipated wedding, and meet with our Pastoral Assistant. Couples are required to participate in Engaged Encounter weekend, complete a FOCCUS test, schedule one meeting with our counselor, and meet with a Priest. No wedding date can be finalized until the appropriate marriage preparation has taken place.

A requirement to be wed at our Church is membership. The bride or groom must be registered, participating and involved in the life of the Parish.

Weddings are usually celebrated on Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., and on Friday evenings. We often have two weddings on a Saturday.

Contact the Parish Office for more information.