"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a women establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." CCC 1601

PREPARATION FOR HOLY MATRIMONY
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.   -Ephesians 5:15

In the Catholic Church, marriage is considered to be more than a natural institution. It was elevated by Christ Himself, in His participation in the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), to be one of the seven Sacraments. A marriage between two Christians, therefore, has a supernatural element as well as a natural one.

The ministers of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony are the spouses themselves, because the mark - the external sign - of the Sacrament is not the wedding Mass, but the marriage contract itself. This does not mean the wedding license that the couple receives, but the vows that each spouse makes to the other. As long as each spouse intends to contract a true marriage, the Sacrament is performed.

The effect of the Sacrament is an increase in sanctifying grace for the spouses, a participation in the divine life of God Himself.

There are a few steps for preparing for your Catholic Marriage:

• PASTORAL PREPARATION. The first step in preparing for your marriage is to meet with Fr. Joseph (in person). You can schedult this meeting with him directly before or after a Sunday mass. This must happen at least 6 months before your desired wedding date. 
• PAPERWORK. After you have had your meeting with Fr. Joseph, you will fill out Marriage Paperwork and submit certificates. The parish will need: A recent copy of each persons Baptism Certificate with notations of Confirmation, if both parties are Catholic. You will also need to have two witnesses complete marriage forms in person at the parish office. 
• CLASS. Provide proof of a Marriage Class. Send proof of class to Kelsie Mattingly, Director of Evangelization. 
  • If you are a parishoner at Immaculate Conception or Our Lady of Perpetual Help, we are currently offering classes through Ascension Press, Belonging Program. You can access the course here. The cost of the course is $50. If you are unable to pay that for any reason please contact Kelsie Mattingly for scholarship money.
  • If you are not a member of ICOLPH, please contact your parish to enroll in Marriage preparation there and send proof once the class has been completed. 
• Take a Natural Family Planning Class here and submit your certificate of completion.

Please begin the process at least at least 6 months before your desired wedding date.