Marriage

"Since the object of our love is infinite, we can always love more and more perfectly."

St. Ignatius Loyola

On Marriage: The Sacrament and the Ceremony

With Fr. Mark Hallinan, S.J., Associate Pastor

The Sacrament of Marriage is the divine call and vocation to show forth the love of God in the love of husband and wife for each other. The bride and the groom at the wedding are themselves the “ministers” of this sacrament. For Roman Catholics, a priest or deacon must witness the marriage with two other witnesses that are usually fulfilled by the best man and maid of honor.

The Church imposes numerous requirements on a couple to marry validly because the commitment of married love is so important for the couple and plays such an integral role in the sacramental life of the Church. Thus, an extensive pre-marital preparation program is in place, which normally requires at least six months to complete.

If you wish to celebrate your wedding at St. Ignatius, contact Maureen Haley at the Parish House ([email protected]) as soon as possible after your engagement and certainly before any plans are made about a reception or other arrangements.

If you have been a registered parishioner here for one year and are planning your wedding somewhere other than St. Ignatius, the Parish can offer pastoral assistance to you, if necessary, with your preparation and meeting the Church requirements.

Video Series: Wedding Conference on Process and Protocols