Marriage is a Sacrament.
This means that it is an action of Jesus Christ in the Church. The sacraments are ritual signs which give grace to the person who receives them. When the priest baptises a baby, he pours water on the baby’s head. This is a sign of washing and of new life. We believe that at the Baptism, Jesus Christ washes away sin and gives the baby new life in the Church. At your marriage, you will exchange vows with each other. You will make solemn promises that are binding for the whole of your life together.
This exchange of vows is a sign of the work of Jesus Christ who joins you in the unbreakable bond of marriage. Notice that you yourselves the ministers of the marriage. You give the sacrament to each other. The priest is there to conduct the service according to the rite of the Church, to witness your marriage and to bless you. Couples in the Parish are requested to give at least 12 months notice of their intended wedding and to meet with their Priest. They are required to take part in a Marriage Preparation Course which applies to all proposed marriages, regardless of where the wedding will take place.
PLEASE NOTE:
We would advise all prospective couples to contact the Parish Clergy to check as to the availability of marriage dates and preparation classes. Do not arrange marriages without having agreed these with the Parish Priest. Courses are held for members of the Parish and usually take place early in the year. This year the dates for the Marriage preparation courses this year start on 22nd February and 4th October 2014.