Marriage
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The Sacrament of 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." The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
Preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony
The celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage is not only a joyful time but also an opportunity for all involved to deepen their relation with Christ. This is a unique opportunity for engaged couples. The process of marriage preparation, usually facilitated by the priest or deacon who will be celebrating your marriage, is an important process. At Saint Jude, it is our hope and prayer that this experience will bear much fruit for you.
Please click the 2 links below and read over the attached documents carefully. The first of the 2 is a 1- page Marriage Preparation Commitment Form to be signed by the engaged couple formally stating their commitment to and their understanding of the process. The second document contains our newly revised Saint Jude Parish Marriage Policies. Included in this packet are 2 pages that require the couple’s signature and that of your wedding photographer. Please review the contents completely and deliver them to the Parish Office, signed, no later than your first appointment with our priest.
All of this is designed to help you benefit from this process as much as possible, to ensure that your marriage celebration is a joyous one, and to preserve the sacredness of the sacrament.
If you have any questions about the process of marriage preparation, you can contact Fr. Trey Nelson, Pastor, directly by calling 225-766-2431 or by email at [email protected]. Again, congratulations on your engagement. Please be assured of the prayers of our priests, parish staff, and parish community for you.
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