Sacrament of Matrimony
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a Supernatural Covenant between God and a man and a woman. God's Covenant is a permanent, faithful, unbreakable Bond of Love with the couple until death. A civil marriage is only a contract between 2 people who ultimately decide to keep their promises or not. The Sacrament of Matrimony witnesses to the world that the couple desires, invites, welcomes and celebrates God’s Presence as the Source of their love and that God has sealed their union as husband and wife.
OUT OF TOWN
Family and Friends can watch from home.
Getting Started
Download and read both packets:
Marriage Preparation Checklist
Then contact Pastoral Associate Barbara Hesenius @ 248-5993 ext.12:
1. to explore available wedding dates
2. for information about online Matrimony
Inventory - "Fully Engaged"
3. for scheduling 4 preparation sessions
4. to finalize date with Fr. Peter Clifford
5. to register for a PreCana Retreat
(at SJR or any other Catholic parish)
4 MATRIMONY PREPARATION SESSIONS
(1 hour each week with Barbara)
Initial Meeting: Welcome new couple
Hand-out Matrimony information packets
Discuss "Fully Engaged" Inventory Ch. 1-4 results.
Second Meeting:
Discuss "Fully Engaged" Inventory, Ch. 5-8 results.
Third Meeting:
Discuss "Fully Engaged" Inventory, Ch. 9-11 results.
Fourth Meeting:
Discuss "Fully Engaged" Inventory, Ch. 12 & 13 results.
(Ch.14, if needed)
Complete Diocese of Rochester "Prenuptial Investigation Form"
Sign Marriage Dispensation Form (only for mixed-faith couples).
After the 4 Matrimony Preparation sessions:
*Use your Matrimonial Checklist to keep up-to-date with all necessary requirements.
*Call Pastoral Associate Amy Voll @ 248-5993 x 13 to plan the Music & discuss accompanists.
*Your Wedding Coordinator will be contacting you to discuss and plan all the details of your Rehearsal and Ceremony.
*Call Fr. Peter @ 248-5993 x 15 at least 3 months ahead of wedding to meet and discuss your Liturgy planning sheet together.
General Information for the Sacrament of Matrimony
All adult Catholics (21+) must be registered in a Catholic Parish before beginning their Matrimony Preparation. (SJR has an online registration link found on our Homepage.)
Before entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony, Catholics are to have received their 3 (childhood) Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. IF NOT...READ BELOW.
When a Baptized Catholic is ONLY missing their Confirmation, attend 3 adult Confirmation sessions offered in February/March and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at our parish's Confirmation night at Sacred Heart Cathedral in the Spring. Barbara will register you.
When a Baptized Catholic is missing BOTH their Confirmation and Eucharist, the RCIA Process (September-April) provides Catholic preparation needed for receiving those Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. OR...If an engaged person is considering joining the Catholic Church, then contact Pastoral Associate Amy Voll.
