Holy Matrimony

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony:

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a covenant, which is more than a contract.  A contract may be enacted in a civil ceremony between two persons.  But the Covenant of Matrimony is enacted between a husband and wife and sealed by God as a permanent union of love and life.  The exchange of vows is witnessed by a priest or deacon on behalf of God's Church.  Through this Sacrament, God bestows matrimonial grace so that the "two become one" and remain united (cf. Mark 10: 8-9).  By remaining faithful to this covenant of love, God grants them the grace to help each other grow in holiness.   


The celebration of Matrimony is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy in a church.  Catholics are expected to receive this Sacrament in the church, and are urged to receive it along with the Eucharistic in the context of the Mass. 

Holy Matrimony:

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.



By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." 


Preparation:

Marriage Preparation Checklist for Engaged Couples:

1.  Call Holy Name Catholic Church at 970-879-0671 to schedule a meeting to discuss wedding preparations. (9-12 months before wedding)


2. Initial Meeting (8 months before wedding):


3. FOCCUS Inventory (7-8 months before wedding):

  • Complete FOCCUS Inventory (online or in person at the Church)
  • Meet with FOCCUS Facilitator


4. Marriage Preparation Program

  • Start marriage prep course
  • Introduction to Theology of the Body
  • Schedule second meeting with parish contact
  • Submit records to Holy Name Office (1 year to 6 months prior to wedding)
  • Baptismal Records
  • Declaration of Nullity (if applicable)
  • Death Certificate (if applicable)
  • Copy of civil marriage license (if seeking convalidation) 
  • Complete and return Freedom of Marry Forms


5. Natural Family Planning (6 months before wedding)


6. Final Meeting (4-6 weeks before the wedding)

  • Have final meeting with your priest or deacon
  • Submit certificates of completion for:
  • FOCCUS Inventory
  • Marriage Prep Course
  • Natural Family Planning Course
  • Provide liturgy and music selection to liturgy coordinator "Together for Life" book
  • Plan rehearsal
  • Apply for marriage license at any county clerk office (date of license must not exceed 30 days prior to the wedding)


7. Sacrament of Reconciliation (1 to 2 weeks before the wedding)

  • Go to confession
  • Deliver marriage license to parish


Next Step:

Click here for more information: Planning Your Wedding Music
Contact Us!
 Call Holy Name Catholic Church at
970-879-0671 or email holyname@catholicsteamboat.org
to schedule a meeting or discuss wedding preparations. (9-12 months before wedding).

  • If you live outside of Routt County, plan to participate in Catholic marriage preparation in the parish where you live.
  • For non-parishioners, the fee to schedule a wedding at Holy Name is $2000, which is for the use of the church only.  This fee does not include a stipend for the priest officiating the wedding, flowers, decorations, program printing or music/musicians. 
  • See the link above for information regarding planning music for your wedding.

Questions about Marriage Preparation?

Give us a call at 970-879-0671



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