Holy Matrimony

A covenant of faithful love

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a baptized man and woman freely give themselves to one another in a lifelong covenant of faithful love. Their marriage becomes a sign of Christ’s love for the Church and a vocation through which they are called to holiness together.

Marriage preparation at St. Jude

Couples should contact the parish before setting a wedding date. A date can be confirmed after the parish has reviewed the couple’s freedom to marry and the preparation process that applies to their situation.

General parish requirements

• Allow at least six months for marriage preparation.
• Recent baptismal certificates, normally issued within the previous six months and including sacramental notations.
• Baptism and First Communion are required; Confirmation is strongly recommended when it has not yet been received.
• Participation in the required diocesan marriage preparation or retreat.
• If the couple is already civilly married, provide the civil marriage certificate.
• Any previous marriage or civil union must be reviewed before a wedding date is established. Depending on the circumstances, a lack-of-form process or a tribunal declaration of nullity may be necessary.