For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and God's values.
Congratulations on your engagement! The goal of our parish is to help enrich the couple's relationship with one another and the Church.
Q. Why do we need a new Certificate of Baptism?
A. Whenever a Catholic receives the sacraments of Confirmation, Marriage or Religious Profession, that information is sent back to the Church of Baptism to be recorded in their sacramental record books. This offers a double recording in case of the loss of records in one of the parishes. When preparing a new Baptismal Certificate the will include notations on the back of the certificate indicating what other sacraments the have listed for you. Obviously, when you were baptized, those other sacraments had not yet occurred. Specifically, we need to make sure there are no notations in regards to previous marriage in the Church.
Q. Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic in a Catholic Church ceremony?
A. Yes, provided there are no impediments (previous marriages, etc.). This should be discussed when you meet with the priest.
Q. Can we still have a Church ceremony if we were married in a non-Catholic or civil ceremony?
A. Because the Catholic Church does not deny the existence of a civil marriage, a blessing ceremony in the Catholic Church is possible. However, a formal church wedding ceremony is not appropriate because the Church does not want to give the appearance that a new marriage is taking place. This Church blessing is officially called a Convalidation. Although it is not a formal cemeony, it is very special nonetheless. The ceremony consists of a reading, homily, renewal of vows and a blessing of rings. You will need to select two people to act as witnesses and you may invite other family members to be present. Convalidations are held in our Chapel.