“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601)
Always contact pastor as the first step immediately after engagement.Whether one has had a previous marriage, is engaged to be married, or is already civilly married and desiring to have one’s marriage convalidated (blessed) by the Catholic Church, the pastor should first be contacted.- Normally the engaged couple should have the first meeting with the pastor a minimum of six months before the wedding date.
- Registration of reception sites or determining the wedding date without first meeting with the pastor is strongly discouraged.
- Those who seek annulment for a previous marriage should also contact the pastor.
