CATHOLIC TEACHING ABOUT MARRIAGE

For most people marriage is one of the most important decisions and realities of their life; in it they form a community of love. For Catholics, marriage is not merely a civil contract but is a covenant between a man and a woman before God. If both are baptized, the marriage is a sacrament, a symbol of the unity of Christ and the Church. A sacramental marriage is a means of grace, giving strength to the husband and wife to live out their commitment, and to help each on the path to holiness.

THE NATURE OF THE SACRAMENT

As you prepare for marriage, you'll be asked to reflect carefully and prayerfully on the nature of this sacrament.

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.
Catechism of the Catholic Church

PRELIMINARY PLANNING

Most couples reserve a reception location as much as a year in advance. Before you do that, or contract with a photographer, or think about invitations, or make any other agreements you should contact Liz Shugart in the Worship Office (281-370-3401) Archdiocesan guidelines require that you schedule your wedding at least 6 to 9 months before the time you'd like to get married. This will allow sufficient time for preparation, not only for the wedding celebration, which will last a short time, but also for the marriage, which will last a lifetime.

Dates and Times

Weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals are conducted on Friday evenings.

PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE

Once you schedule your wedding and complete the necessary paperwork, you'll begin a formal process of marriage preparation. Preparation for marriage involves a process of discernment, which is meant to be an affirming experience as you become more aware of your readiness to enter Christian married life. This process is meant to help you assess your personal faith and your relational readiness, not to make those judgments for or about you.According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

"So that the "I do" of the spouses may be a free and responsible act and so that the marriage covenant may have solid and lasting human and Christian foundations, preparation for marriage is of prime importance."

Initial interview

The process begins when you sit down for an initial conversation with the priest or deacon who will be responsible for your marriage preparation.. This is an opportunity for you to get to know one another, to explain the marriage preparation process, to discuss any necessary permissions or dispensations if necessary and to complete the Prenuptial Investigation form.

Faith readiness

One of the most important aspects of the discernment process is the assessment of your faith readiness. Because the marriage of two baptized Christians is a sacrament, it requires the presence of faith in those who receive it. No two people are at the same place in their journey of faith, however. Through the marriage preparation process, you should be able to better identify and deepen your faith, both as individuals and as a couple.

Marriage readiness

Another aspect of the discernment process looks at your readiness to marry. While there is no possible way to determine this definitively, there are clear indicators that can predict potential problems or even the eventual failure of the marriage. You'll be asked to complete the FOCCUS assessment; a premarital inventory, which will give both of you an opportunity to reflect on your attitudes and your relationship. This isn't a test, but is an aid for you and the priest or deacon to use in highlighting important areas for discussion.

Formational programs

This part of the marriage preparation process is intended to help you understand better both the human and Christian aspects of marriage, and to introduce you to persons and resources that are available to help strengthen your marriage. Couples are required to participate in one of two programs:

• Our parish Sponsor Couple program; a sponsor couple helps prepare the engaged couple in five outlined sessions. Through individual reflection, written assignments and group dialogue, the engaged couple learns of married life from a couple already living a Christian marriage.
• The Archdiocesan Engaged Encounter; A Weekend experience designed to give couples an opportunity to dialogue honestly and intensively about their future life together. Couples will address topics such as self-identity, role expectations, money, sex, children, family and religion

Wedding Liturgy

During the course of preparation for marriage, couples will have an opportunity to help plan their wedding liturgy. The priest or deacon will work closely with them and advise them of the many options they have in selecting Scripture readings, prayers, blessings, and vow formulas.

WEDDING FEES

FEES FOR REGISTERED PARISHIONERS

A parishioner is a person who has been a registered and a contributing member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish for at least one year prior to scheduling their wedding. All others are considered non-parishioners.

• Initial Deposit $200.00
• Additional Fees/Church $600.00
• Additional Fees/Lady Chapel $550.00
• Cash offering for Altar Servers $20.00

FEES FOR NON-PARISHIONERS

In addition to the fee schedule above, an additional charge of $250.00 will be added for use of the Lady Chapel. For use of the main sanctuary, an additional fee of $500.00 will be added. These fees are required to be submitted at the same time the initial deposit and contract is returned.
The Initial Deposit is due (payable to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church) with the signed wedding contract and alcohol policy. These items are due prior to securing a date for your wedding.
All remaining fees are due at least six weeks prior to the rehearsal. (Payable to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and sent to my attention.)
For any further information please contact Liz Shugart in the Worship Office at 281-370-3401 or LShugart@silcc.org.