Weddings
Marriage arises in the irrevocable consent which each partner freely bestows on and accepts from the other. This intimate union and the good of the children impose total fidelity on each of them and argue for an unbreakable oneness between them. Christ the Lord raised this union to the dignity of a sacrament so that it might more clearly recall and more easily reflect his own unbreakable union with his Church. (From the introduction to the Rite of Marriage) While we are very happy to help with the planning of your wedding day, the parish is more concerned in helping you, as a couple, to prepare for your marriage.
One of the parties entering into the marriage must be an active Catholic, registered as a parish member of Our Lady of Hope for at least three months before any date will be confirmed with the couple.
To begin the process you must complete a marriage application available at the reception desk, at least six months prior to the anticipated date of your wedding.
If you are Catholic, be prepared to provide to the parish an ORIGINAL copy of your baptismal certificate dated no earlier than six (6) months prior to the wedding date. Non Catholics are asked to provide a copy of the record of their baptism, if possible.
If you or your fiancée have been married previously, please provide either documentation of an annulment or a death certificate. If you need an annulment, please discuss this with the priest/deacon assisting you immediately. NO WEDDING DATE MAY BE SET UNTIL AN ANNULMENT HAS BEEN OBTAINED!
Couples preparing for marriage will meet with the priest/deacon working with them approximately four times. In addition they will be asked to take a pre-marriage (compatibility) inventory. They will be required to attend an engaged couple or pre-marriage seminar here at the parish.
Summary of Guidelines for the Sacrament of Matrimony:
- Membership: You must be an active, practicing Catholic. At least one of the parties to be married must be registered member of the parish for at least 6 months prior to setting a wedding date and beginning your wedding preparations. Adult children of parishioners (over 18 years of age) are expected to be registered in their own names, not under the name of their parents.
- Eligibility: Both parties must verify that they have never been married, or that previous marriages have been annulled by the Catholic Church.
- Wedding Date: Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance of expected or planned wedding date. No weddings will be held after 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.