The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of their whole life, is ordered by its nature toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This sacred covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a husband and wife enter into a lifelong union of love and fidelity, reflecting Christ’s own love for His Church. The Church rejoices in accompanying couples as they prepare to receive this sacrament and begin their vocation of married life together.
The Exchange of Vows
The exchange of consent is the central symbol of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Through their vows, the bride and groom freely give themselves to one another in a lifelong covenant of love and fidelity before God and the Church. Their consent expresses a love that is free, total, faithful, and open to life, reflecting Christ’s faithful love for His Church.
The Rings
The wedding rings are a powerful symbol of the covenant of marriage. Their circular shape represents the eternal, unbroken, and faithful love that the couple promises to share with one another. As a visible sign of their lifelong commitment, the rings remind the husband and wife of the vows they have exchanged before God and the Church and of their call to love each other with enduring faithfulness.
The Nuptial Blessing
The Nuptial Blessing, offered by the priest over the bride and groom, is a beautiful prayer of the Church that recognizes and celebrates their marital union. Through this blessing, the Church calls upon God’s grace to strengthen the couple as they begin their life together and to guide them in their vocation of love, fidelity, and service. It is a prayer that entrusts their marriage to God and asks for His continued blessings upon their shared life and mission.
The Couple Themselves
In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the bride and groom are the ministers of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony to one another through the exchange of their consent. Their mutual self-gift and lifelong commitment become a living sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church. Through their marriage, the couple is called to witness to God’s love and to grow together in holiness as they share their life and mission.
Marriage Preparation Steps
The Catholic Church desires to accompany engaged couples as they prepare to enter into the lifelong covenant of Holy Matrimony. Through prayer, reflection, and formation, couples are invited to deepen their understanding of the sacrament and prepare for a faithful and joyful married life.
The following steps are required for marriage preparation at St. Paul Catholic Church:
Schedule an Appointment with the Pastor
Meet with the pastor to begin the marriage preparation process and discuss the necessary steps for celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Provide Required Documentation
Couples are asked to provide the following documents: A recent Baptismal Certificate with Notations (issued within the last six months, when applicable). Any additional documents required by the Church.
Previous Marriage Documentation
If either person has been previously married, the couple must obtain the appropriate declaration of nullity (annulment), if required by the Catholic Church, before a new marriage can be celebrated in the Church.
Participate in a Pre-Cana Retreat
Attend a Pre-Cana retreat designed to help couples grow in communication, faith, and their understanding of the vocation of marriage.
Complete the Fully Engaged Inventory
Complete the Fully Engaged marriage preparation inventory, which provides an opportunity for couples to discuss important aspects of married life and strengthen their relationship.
Attend Marriage Preparation Meetings
Participate in meetings with the pastor or designated marriage preparation ministers to reflect on the sacrament, the vows, and the responsibilities of Christian marriage.
Wedding Fees and Offerings
At St. Paul Catholic Church, we are honored to accompany couples as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The offerings help support the preparation process, the ministry of those who serve the wedding liturgy, and the care and maintenance of our parish facilities.
Contact Us
faithformation@stpaulleeburg.org
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 4:00 pm
Address
1330 Sunshine Ave.
Leesburg, FL 34748