The Sacrament of Marriage: A Vocation of Love and Service
Congratulations on Your Engagement!
What a joyful and exciting time for you both! Your decision to enter into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a beautiful testament to your love and a wonderful sign of hope. The parish family of St. Vincent de Paul celebrates with you and is honored to walk with you as you prepare for this sacred commitment.
The Beauty of Sacramental Marriage
In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacred Vocation—a calling from God to a specific path of holiness. It is a lifelong covenant where a husband and wife, through their faithful and self-giving love, become a living sign of Christ's love for the world.
Here at St. Vincent de Paul, we believe that a sacramental marriage becomes a true school of charity. Your love for one another, strengthened by God's grace, will overflow into a life of service to your family, your community, and those in need, powerfully reflecting the spirit of our patron.
Building a Foundation for Life: Your Marriage Preparation
To help you build a joyful and resilient marriage that will last a lifetime, our parish and diocese offer a supportive preparation journey. This is a gift of time for you to deepen your relationship with each other and with Christ.
The process typically includes:
- An Initial Meeting with a Priest: Your first step is to contact one of our priests at least six to nine months before your anticipated wedding date.
- A Relationship Assessment: Using a tool like FOCCUS, you'll gain valuable insights into your relationship, affirming your strengths and highlighting areas for growth.
- A Formal Preparation Program: You will participate in a program like Pre-Cana, designed to help you discuss important topics and build a solid foundation for your life together.
- Planning Your Wedding Liturgy: As your wedding day approaches, you will work with our priest and music director to plan the beautiful details of your ceremony.
Planning Your Wedding Liturgy
Your wedding liturgy is a beautiful and sacred moment of prayer. We want to help you make it a personal reflection of your love story and your faith. Here are some resources to guide you:
- Wedding Liturgy Planning Form (Online)
- Wedding Liturgy Planning Form (Printable)
- Suggested Scripture Readings
- Suggested Music Selections
- Wedding Reminders for St. Vincent de Paul
- FAQ – Catholic Marriage
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
We are excited to walk with you on this path to Holy Matrimony. To begin the marriage preparation process, please contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with one of our priests.
- Phone: (315) 479-6689
- Email: stvoffice@bscstvsyr.org