Marriage Policy
In the Roman Catholic Church
tradition, we recognize marriage as a sacrament, that is, a practice
identified by Jesus which enriches the Church community. Thus, this
sacrament means more than a wedding rite; it designates the lifelong
relationship of husband and wife. Marriage is not so much something that a
couple receives as something a couple becomes. When two people marry, it
becomes an important moment for the Church community and the Church has a
responsibility to guide couples in preparation for life together.
Contact the parish 6 months or more
before the proposed wedding date. Couples are expected to contact the
pastor at least six months in advance of the date on which they hope to
celebrate their wedding. Only the pastor or parish secretary may book the
date. Dates will be booked only after the pastor has had sufficient
opportunity to meet with the engaged couple, to take care of necessary
paperwork and to arrange for their participation in a marriage preparation
program. It is the responsibility of the engaged couple to secure the date
with the church before making commitments with caterers, reception halls,
etc.
Advance preparation is required of
every couple wishing to be married in the Catholic Church. This includes
meeting with your priest or deacon, attending sacramental preparation
classes, attending NFP classes, meeting with a sponsor couple to discuss
the FOCCUS inventory, and planning the wedding liturgy.
Contact:
Reverend
William Holzinger (wholtzinger[at]stanthonysforestgrove.org) - 503 357-2989
or
Lani Vandehey (lvandehey[at]stanthonysforestgrove.org