Matrimony

What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?
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.  Marriage is not a purely human institution; God himself is the author of marriage (CCC 1601-03).

Congratulations!
If you are reading this section of this website, and you are preparing to enter into the Sacrament of Matrimony, all the clergy and staff of St. Joseph Catholic Church wish you congratulations on your engagement, and prayerful best wishes! It will be our pleasure to assist you so that you will have a beautiful wedding, and even more importantly, so that you will have a beautiful marriage.

Planning and Preparation
Either the bride or the groom must be a registered parishioner, and a personal interview is requried. It is necessary that the engaged couple contact the parish office at least six (6) months prior to the intended wedding date, to speak with the priest/deacon whom you wish to perform the ceremony. Requirements and guideliness vary, depending upon whether the couple wishes to have a priest or deacon of our parish or another parish to perform the ceremony, whether they wish to marry here in our church or some place outside the parish, and whether both spouses are Catholic.  In all cases, Pre-Cana Marriage and Wedding Preparation will be required.  This will include meetings with the priest or deacon, a FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding & Study) Inventory, and attending Engaged Couples meetings. For more information, please contact the parish office.