Holy Matrimony

"By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God."

According to the Canon Law (the law of the Church), in order for a marriage to be valid, there are certain requirements:

• At least one of the spouses is a baptized Catholic;

• The wedding must be celebrated in a Catholic church in the presence of a Catholic priest/deacon/bishop and in the presence of two other witnesses;

• The two spouses must be free to be married (e.g., no prior valid marriages or any other vow that would impede the spouses fulfill their commitment to marriage);

• They must be psychologically mature and capable of consenting to the marriage; and they must understand the nature of Catholic marriage (i.e., exclusive, permanent, and open to having children).

We require a six-month minimum preparation process for getting married at our parish. This will include meeting individually and as a couple with the pastor, and meetings with your sponsor couple. 

Why so long? Because we believe in the sacredness of the sacrament of matrimony. We want to be sure that you are well-prepared for this lifelong covenant. 

The Church takes marriage very seriously, because God takes it very seriously. 

Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and woman and God. It is a tremendous gift from God, and it is a visible sign of His love and commitment to His people (cf. Eph 5:31-32).

Marriage is the foundation of the family and of society, and it is central to the life of the Church. It is also a public act that is celebrated as part of the Church’s liturgy, and introduces the couple into a special state of life in the Church. It creates a permanent and faithful bond between husband and wife, and it establishes significant rights and responsibilities between the married couple and, eventually, their children. It is also the most important relationship in the life of a married couple, and is vital to their happiness and to the happiness of their children.

Because it is so significant, the Church wants to make sure that a couple is properly prepared for marriage, and that they enter into it freely, without reservation, and with full understanding of what is involved. The Church also has an obligation to make sure that the marriage is celebrated in the right way, according to the right forms. All of this stems from the Church’s special obligation to take care of the spiritual health of all of God’s people.

As a result, the marriage preparation process is governed by rules and regulations that are part of the Church’s Canon Law (her universal law), regulations of the Archdiocese, liturgical rules, and particular pastoral requirements of individual parishes and priests. While these rules may seem complicated to those who are unfamiliar with them, most people find them no more difficult than the civil law requirements governing marriage or any other civil or social commitment.

In addition, a couple who goes through this process with an open heart and open mind will find that they will address issues of critical importance to their marriage. In having discussions between themselves and with a priest/deacon or parish staff about these issues, they can avoid problems in the future and have a firmer sense of confidence in their love and in the love of God.

In short, the Church is concerned about your well-being, and wants you to have a great marriage. That’s what marriage preparation is all about.

Source: Archdiocese of San Antonio

We invite you to call our office and we'll direct you to the best place to get your questions answered. Generally, that will be either our pastor or the diocese. 

We are here to accompany you on this journey!