Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church.
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. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
The following contains requirements and information for the Sacrament of Marriage in St. Julia Catholic Church:
- Must be a registered and contributing parishioner for at least 6 months prior to the first appointment to begin the marriage preparation process.
- Registered parishioners pay a $300 fee while non-registered persons pay a $500 fee.
- If you register at the time of the first appointment, you are required to pay a $500 fee.
- Baptismal Certificates
- Recent (no older than 6 months) Baptismal certificates of both Christian parties
- A Catholic can marry a non-Christian
- When a Baptismal Certificate is impossible to obtain, a sworn statement and witness letter may suffice.
- Letters of freedom to marry
- Mandatory attendance at a Marriage Preparation Program with Certificate of Completion
- Permission of parents if a party is under 18 years of age
- A civil marriage license
- A Declaration of Nullity, if previously married
- For widows and widowers, a certificate of death of the departed spouse and a marriage certificate of the previous marriage are to be presented
- Music for marriage ceremony is arranged between one of our choir directors and the couple
- Couples can also hire any musicians and singers of their choice
- The couple must set up the initial meeting with the priest
Weddings are scheduled on 1st and 3rd Saturdays. 11:00AM and 1:00PM. The diocese requires six months of preparation for marriages. Call the office to make an appointment with Friar Julio to begin the preparations.