Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with a vision of “the wedding-feast of the Lamb.” Scripture speaks throughout of marriage and its “mystery,” its institution and the meaning God has given it, its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin and its renewal “in the Lord” in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1602).

Necessity of Preparation

Careers require years of study. It is only common sense that the life-long vocation of marriage requires preparation. Therefore, the Church, in her wisdom, sets standards for the couple. The process is orientated toward specific circumstances whether for those never married or for those widowed, etc. Such effective preparations have contributed largely to the success of many marriages. We have parishioners who celebrate milestone wedding anniversaries – twenty-five, fifty, sixty and more years of marriage. Their witness to one another, their family, and the community is indeed a great blessing. Please do not set a date until you speak with the Pastoral Associate.

Engaged Couples

God’s grace is a constant need for everyone, at all times and no one can doubt that members of Christ’s faithful have a special need of that grace when they are preparing to marry. Whether for a young or mature couple, a blessing provides guidance for their marriage and future life together.

Blessings are typically celebrated at one of the weekend Masses. Please contact the office for more information.

Convalidation

Were you married by a justice of the peace or in a non-Catholic Denomination and would like to be in full Communion with the Catholic Church by having your marriage enter into a sacramental union?  Our Pastoral Associate can assist you.

Anniversary Blessings

After many years of marriage (25, 50, etc.), couples sometimes choose to reaffirm the vows that they pronounced on their wedding day. A special blessing to commemorate the anniversary of that sacred ceremony is celebrated.Those who had their marriage at a Catholic church by the Sacrament of Marriage may receive an anniversary blessing. A copy of your marriage certificate is needed to ensure that you were married in the Church. Contact Us for more information or to schedule a blessing at Mass.

Annulment

Unfortunately, marriages sometimes fail. Some of those involved in failed marriages are not aware of what they can do to get back their faith life. Kindly refer to the teaching of the Church, from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, concerning this area below. It underlines why annulment should be sought by divorced persons, especially if they wish to remarry. Divorced and remarried persons, without any annulment granted by the Church, should begin the process for an annulment as soon as possible in order to receive the Sacraments properly.

From the very beginning of a marriage, circumstances may hinder a truly covenantal and sacramental relationship and an “annulment” is sought. An annulment is not a “church divorce,” it has no bearing on prior civil decisions (No civil effects). Rather, an annulment involves a degree of healing from past hurts and allows one a certain freedom to pursue their faith.

St. John’s has a regional office of the Tribunal specifically for annulments. It is located in the hall with a certified advocate, appointed through the Bishop who is available to answer questions and assist with the process.