If you are newly engaged, congratulations!
Marriage arrangements are usually made at least six months in advance of the wedding. These arrangements are made by scheduling an appointment with Father Nick. You can call the parish office at 618.244.1559 to schedule this initial conversation.
The preparation process includes: gathering documents; completing and reviewing a relationship assessment; meeting with a parish couple to discuss issues and concerns that married couples will face; attending a marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter); and planning your wedding liturgy.
Marriage is the unique Sacrament which binds one man and one woman together in a covenant under God and His Church. It is a Sacrament of vocation, a response to a specific calling that God has placed in the hearts of a couple. It is a bond that lasts for life which is permanent, faithful, and fruitful. Marriage is not just about two people, but is the foundation of the family, the "domestic church," the most basic and foundational structure, not only for the Church, but for all of society.
Catholics believe that marriage comes as a gift from the hand of God.The Catholic vision of marriage is rooted in Sacred Scripture and is expressed in the teachings and practices of the Church. It has these main elements.
◦ Marriage unites a couple in faithful and mutual love
◦ Marriage opens a couple to giving life
◦ Marriage is a way to respond to God's call to holiness
◦ Marriage calls the couple to be a sign of Christ's love in the world
Click here to learn more about what Catholics believe about marriage.
ForYourMarriage.org--An Initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to support and strengthen marriage and family life.
Marriage Encounter--Turn a good marriage into a great marriage!
Why Marriage Matters--30 conclusions from the social sciences
Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan--A pastoral letter on marriage from the Catholic bishops of the United States.
Help for Troubled Marriages