Marriage

Like all Sacraments, the preparation for, and the celebration of, the Sacrament of Marriage is grounded in the life and worship of a parish. More than an exchange of vows, even more than a couple's expression of love for each other, the wedding liturgy is a public statement of the faith that will guide and shape the union of the couple. It is a prayer by them that God will be with them "in good times and bad."

For this reason, the Church has the responsibility to see that the couple is prepared to celebrate the sacrament of Marriage, not just as a day but as a way of life. The community of Saint John's is happy to assist you in preparing for this Sacrament.

We receive many requests for parishioners to qualify for weddings at Saint John's. Part of that request is to verify that a person is an "active member" of Saint John's. An "active member" is one who:

• Is properly registered and on the parish rolls.
• Faithfully attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.
• Contributes to the support of the parish.

While assessments of an inquirer's status will be made individually, the above are the main factors that will be considered in making that determination.

The date of the wedding is determined by the couple's readiness for Christian Marriage. Please allow a minimum of six months for preparation. To assure the date you want for your wedding, and to avoid unnecessary pressure, you are encouraged to begin the process much earlier. As a rule, most couples begin nine to twelve months in advance of the proposed wedding date. Marriage readiness can be made apparent only after meeting with the parish priest. We urge you to not set any dates before this meeting. Wedding dates cannot be given out over the phone by the parish office staff.

For additional information regarding wedding guidelines at Saint John's, please contact Donna Little at 651-288-3271.