Marriage

While we believe that human life is infused with the sacramental goodness of God, the Catholic Church has defined seven sacraments- instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ. It is through this sacramental ritual that we are infused with God’s grace. The Sacraments nourish and strengthen us as they express and build up our faith.

Marriage is a covenant “by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership for the whole of life” Catechism of the Catholic Church #1601

A Christian marriage is the bond between a man and a woman and is to reflect Christ’s love for the Church.

OVERVIEW OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION 

Steps for arranging your wedding at St William Parish. Remember, Marriage preparation must take place at least 6 months in advance of the ceremony.

To begin the preparation: 

• Meet with the Pastor or Deacon
• At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Catholic person.
• If either or both members of the couple have been previously married, every previous marriage on the part of either party (regardless of whether that occurred within or without the church) must be resolved by either a declaration of nullity (an annulment) or a Petition in a Lack of Form Marriage or the death of the former spouse. If you have any question regarding the status of your previous marriage, please contact the pastor or deacon. This is also true for non-Catholic persons. If any prior marriages have already been declared null, the declarations of nullity must be provided.

A planning guide with additional information that address music selection, Church fees, flowers and other arrangements is provided at the initial meeting. 

Convalidation of Civil marriages

There are people attending parishes or in Catholic families whose marriage is somehow not fully recognized by the Church and must be "Convalidated." The process is relatively simple.  For more information on Convalidations, please call the rectory and ask to speak to the Pastor or one of the Deacons. 

For more infomation on Marriage Preparation, follow this link.