-
-
The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. (CCC 1661)
-
-
-
Congratulations on your engagement! Please call the parish office and ask to be contacted by a priest or deacon on the Pastoral Staff to discuss your wedding prior to setting any dates. If you are already familiar with the Parish Pastoral Staff, you may call the priest or deacon of your choice to discuss wedding arrangements before setting the date.
A six month preparation period is required by parish and diocesan policy in order to allow for proper preparation of the parties to be married.
Pre-Cana activity must include the couples' participation in the Prepare & Enrich (P&E) program. The minister with whom you meet may elect to have you complete your review of the P&E assessment with one of our Marriage Preparation Couples who assist us in this ministry. Participation in the P&E program is both a parish and diocesan requirement.
-
-
Getting Married in the Church
-
As Catholics, we believe getting married in the Church is the way to give yourself completely to your spouse. You hold nothing back, and as a man and woman, you stand before family, friends, and God, vowing to commit yourselves to one another until death. God pours His grace into your marriage when you celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. And through faith, God's grace is abundantly offered at every step along the way of your marriage.
Marriage will be challenging and difficult, and unforeseen problems will arise. The initial "spark" of your relationship may fade, but that is why getting married in the church is important. The vows you take speak to a truth greater than the difficulties of the current situation. Your love for one another as husband and wife mirrors Christ's love for His Bride, the Church. Jesus's love for the Church was not without immense struggles. Let us rely on Jesus Christ and His Church to show us how to love as He intended.
-
-
Frequently Asked Questions
-
-
Yes! Please contact the parish office to speak with a priest or deacon regarding your current situation.
-
-
-
If either of the parties was previously married either civilly or in a church ceremony, be sure to bring that to the attention of the priest or deacon with whom you meet. He will be able to clarify this with you.
-
-
-
-
Upcoming Anniversary?
If you will have a wedding anniversary next month and would like your names listed in the bulletin, please email smofparish@gmail.com on or before the 2nd to last Friday of the month. Your names will be included in the last bulletin of the month.
-
-
-
Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland First Step Program
The First Step Program helps individuals navigate the path of healing and closure, an important step in the annulment process. We encourage all to come to heal, come to learn, come open to the Spirit. For more information, call 216.696.6525 Ext. 4000 or visit www.dioceseofcleveland.org/tribunal
-
