Civil Marriage Initiative

For Catholics, a marriage ceremony is not just a social or family event, it is a sacrament! A sacrament is an outward sign of an invisible, divine reality, and an instrument that God uses to bless us with His grace as we make our journey toward Heaven! Grace is a favor from God to help us respond to His call to love as He loves—freely and unconditionally! Further, the sacrament of marriage, which was instituted by Jesus Christ, is closely tied to the life of the Church. For this reason, marriages involving a Catholic are to be celebrated in the most suitable place—the parish church of either the Catholic man or the Catholic woman, where the vows can be exchanged in the presence of God. The ceremony can be a small or a grand affair —with beautiful flowers, wedding attire, and sacred music!

Marriage is brought about through the exchange of consent of the man and woman in their vows. In addition, all baptized Catholics must exchange their vows in the presence of either a priest or deacon and two witnesses. The priest (or deacon) receives the consent of the spouses in the name of the Catholic Church and gives the blessing of the Catholic Church. The presence of the Church's minister (and also of the witnesses) visibly expresses the fact that marriage is an ecclesial reality. That’s why if a Catholic marries outside the Catholic Church in a merely civil or non-Catholic ceremony, even though the union is recognized under civil law, it is not ordinarily recognized by the Catholic Church.

A sacramental marriage is a covenant, that is, a binding of persons together beyond a mere contractual or civil agreement, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Marriage is an incredible blessing to the world because it is a reflection of God’s love for us!

The first step is to contact your parish and ask to speak with the pastor or marriage preparation coordinator. They will need some initial information from you to determine your freedom to marry and then will get you started on an inspiring and engaging sacramental marriage preparation program that will assist you in setting the foundation for a long lasting and happy, sacramental marriage!

The first step is to contact your parish and ask to speak with the pastor or marriage preparation coordinator. They will need some initial information from you to determine your freedom to marry and then will get you started on an inspiring and engaging sacramental marriage preparation program that will assist you in setting the foundation for a long lasting and happy, sacramental marriage!

The Catholic Church teaches that a valid, sacramental marriage is indissoluble —that is, it lasts until the death of one of the spouses. We believe this because of the words the man and woman make in their vows, "I take you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do us part," and because of Jesus' clear words in Scripture, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together [in the sacrament of matrimony], no human being must separate." -Matthew 19:6 If you are unsure if your prior marriage is valid or if you have questions about annulments, contact Amy Klarkowski, the Pre-Petition Case Advisor for the Diocese, and she will be happy to work with you.

Find your local parish and go check it out! Do a quick internet search for the Catholic church in your town… Go to the parish website… Call the parish office… Or check them out on their social media page! There are so many wonderful benefits to being a part of a parish community!

A simple invitation to sacramental marriage is usually all it takes! You could say something like: “I want you two to have the graces received in marriage in the Catholic Church!” or “I think it would be great if you married in the Catholic Church so that you can receive God’s blessings and help!” You can also pray for the engaged and married couples at your parish and do your part to renew and support marriage!