Holy Matrimony
Marriage & Wedding Ceremonies at St Mary's
What is Catholic Marriage all about?
When the Catholic Church teaches that marriage between two baptized persons is a sacrament, it is saying that the couple’s relationship expresses in a unique way the unbreakable bond of love between Christ and his people.
Like the other six sacraments of the Church, marriage is a sign or symbol which reveals the Lord Jesus and through which his divine life and love are communicated.
In a sacramental marriage, God’s love becomes present to the spouses in their total union and also flows through them to their family and community. By their permanent, faithful and exclusive giving to each other, symbolized in sexual intercourse, the couple reveals something of God’s unconditional love.
As a diocesan community we recognise the amazing joy found in family life, along with the challenges and difficulties it sometimes presents. Through different events and groups we work together to support a variety of activities which enrich life in the various fields of family life.
If you want to get in touch about anything Marriage and Family Life related please contact our Marriage & Family Life
Adviser. Within the Diocese we offer a range of different means of preparation which your parish priest will
discuss with you when you first make contact with him.
What preparations do we need to make?
There are a number of steps you need to undertake before your wedding day can take place:
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Contact your parish priest to book the date. Complete initial paperwork to ensure that there are no obstacles to your union.
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Complete the necessary legal requirements.
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Book the reception venue, inform family and friends when and where your wedding will take place.
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Attend the marriage preparation course that your parish or deanery provides.
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Make contact with your parish mentor or sponsor, if you have been provided with one.
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Attend a series of regular discussions with the member of clergy who will officiate at the service.
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Make any final decisions about the liturgy.
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Enjoy the first day of your life-long journey, your wedding day!
How much notice do we need to give?
You are required to give a full 12 months’ notice in order that we can make the discernment process as fulfilling as possible. Pope Francis calls this an 'initiation into marriage'.
How do we contact you to make arrangements?
If you are interested in holding your Wedding Ceremony with us at St Mary's Church, please get in touch with our Parish priest by phone or email, and we will be in touch to arrange a meeting in person to discuss your special day.
