MARRIAGE / WEDDINGS
In celebrating the union of two people committed to each other for life, the Christian community recognizes it as a public covenant between a man and a woman to live as faithful Christians and to establish a “domestic church” for raising children in the faith. The Rite of Christian Marriage emphasizes the public and Christian nature of this union, which is why the ceremony must take place in a church building. This setting reflects the couple's desire to start a new status and way of life within the Christian community. A priest or deacon is required to be present for Catholic marriages, serving as official witnesses of the Church, while the couple themselves administer the sacrament to each other.
PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE
As Catholics, we take the responsibility of marriage very seriously. To support couples in starting their married life with the best possible foundation, we provide a period of preparation. Given that they are beginning a new role within the Christian community, couples are expected to marry in their own parish church.
To be married at our local church, at least one party must be a registered and active member for at least six months prior to the first appointment. Weddings cannot be scheduled until all requirements are met. These requirements include an initial interview with the pastor, completing a standardized compatibility profile, attending an Engaged Encounter Weekend or marriage preparation class, and providing necessary documentation such as baptismal certificates. To start the marriage preparation process, please contact the parish office. For additional information on marriage preparation, you may visit the Diocese of Superior website for Marriage prepatation process.
Annulments
Christian marriage is a sacrament that symbolizes the unity of Christ and the Church. It represents a holy covenant of life and love, requiring a mature commitment and decision to love from both partners, a response to God's continual grace, and daily self-sacrifice to reaffirm the vows made on the wedding day. This effort can be demanding and, at times, heroic, which is why marriages do not always succeed.
Although marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, the Church acknowledges that some marriages do end. This reality is addressed by the Church's Tribunal system. If you have experienced the pain of a broken marriage, you are encouraged to contact the parish office to discuss available options, such as annulment or other canonical actions, which might allow you to marry again. For more information on canonical options for a broken marriage, please visit the Diocese of Superior Tribunal website.