The Sacrament of Marriage
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb"
(Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. Source: Page #305
Congratulations on your engagement! We are glad you are considering making St. Rose of Lima part of such an essential moment. Please read the Preparation Checklist below for more information about weddings and marriage preparation.
Preparation at St. Rose of Lima will take at least 8-12 months; therefore, we ask that you contact our office 1 year before your proposed wedding date.
We look forward to helping you prepare for your new life together.
WEDDING PREPARATION TIMELINE
8-12 months prior to the wedding
1. Complete and return the Marriage Prep Registration Form to Deacon Ray Rodriguez (rrodriguez@stroselima.org)
2. Set up an appointment with Deacon Ray to review Standard Forms and Documents. Be ready to discuss special circumstances.
6-9 months prior to the wedding
1. Begin marriage preparation with a clergy member. Typically, we start with a pre-marriage inventory called FOCCUS. You will have 4-6 sessions based on the inventory.
2. Complete an approved Marriage Preparation Course. St. Rose offers a course and the diocese has several options (in-person and online): Home - Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (archgh.org)
3. Complete an Natural Family Planing class.
4. Confirm that the celebrant is available for the date & time of your wedding.
6 months prior
1. Reserve your date and time with the church.
2. Request your baptismal certificate with notations from your church of Baptism. If the church of Baptism does not have your notations, you must contact the church(es) where you received your First Communion and Confirmation to request those certificates.
3 months prior
1. Set up a music consultation with the Director of Music.
2. Obtain your marriage license in less than 90 days but more than 72 hours before the wedding day.
2 months prior
1. Fill out the Wedding Selection Form in the Together for Life booklet or Together for Life Selection Form (Sixth Edition) - Together for Life Online. Meet with Clery member to discuss selections for readings, prayers, etc.
2. Finalize music by sending all requests to the Music Director for approval. Once all music has been approved, you may print programs.
3. Receive your contract and final invoice from the parish.
1 month prior
1. Meet with Wedding Coordinator to discuss day-of details.
2. For couples using the hall, final payments and contract must be submitted to the Business Manager.
Rehearsal day
1. Meet Wedding coordinator and clergy at the church for rehearsal.
2. Bring your marriage license.
3. Ask any lingering questions.
Wedding Day
FOCUS ON THE SACRAMENT
All of your hard work and preparation are done.
You have chosen someone to make sure policies are followed and that the church is cleaned up.
The coordinator will make sure your vendors know where to go.
The clergy will lead you through the Nuptial Mass/Wedding Ceremony.
Relax and enjoy this beautiful celebration with your spouse, family, and friends!