The Sacrament of Matrimony (or Christian Marriage) like all of the sacraments, is a visible expression of God’s ongoing presence in the world and an example of the kind of love God has for each of us.  In Christian Marriage, a husband and wife form a covenant of committed, unconditional and caring love and they invite Christ to be a partner with them in that covenant.

The unconditional nature of a covenant is different from that of a contract which requires that certain conditions be met by each partner in order for the contract to be valid.  The Church teaches that the Sacrament of Matrimony mirrors God’s covenant of love with his people.  God’s love for us is unconditional, eternal, exclusive, and faithful, in good times and bad, in sickness and health.
 

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Setting the Date

At least six months before the hoped for wedding date, before making any arrangements for your reception, call the parish to begin making plans-to reserve the date and time for the ceremony.  Should this be a second marriage for either the bride or the groom, there will be some details to attend to before any date can be finalized.  Please contact Elizabeth Simcoe (Parish Life Director) to make an appointment.

Initial Meeting

Once the date has been reserved with the parish, the engaged couple should contact the priest or deacon who will witness your wedding.  St. Vincent’s does not have a resident priest.  However one of our sacramental ministers or a visiting priest or deacon may be available.  The Parish Life Director will assist, if you need help, with this detail.  Should you have a family friend, a Roman Catholic priest or deacon from another diocese who you want to invite to participate, simply provide his name and contact information.  Visiting clergy are accustomed to submitting documentation from their chanceries before ministering in another diocese.

Days and Times

Normatively, weddings are celebrated on Friday evenings or on Saturday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.  However, other days and times can be arranged.  The Sacrament of Marriage may not be celebrated during Holy Week, on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday.  Rehearsal usually takes place at 5:00 – 5:30 pm the evening before the ceremony.

Marriage Preparation

The priest, deacon or parish life director will meet with the engaged couple to complete the required, Prenuptial Assessment.  In addition, you are expected to participate in Marriage Prep with one of the parish’s marriage prep couples or through diocesan programs.  The priest, deacon or parish life director will work with you to determine which option best suits your circumstance.

Required Documentation

Certificate of Baptism

Both the bride and the groom must provide copies of baptismal certificates issued within six months of the wedding date.  These certificates can be obtained from the church where the baptisms were celebrated.

Marriage License

A New York State marriage license, valid for 60 days, must be obtained from your county/city/town clerk.  Please note the 24 hour waiting period, required between the issuance of the license and the celebration of marriage.  Please bring the license to the wedding rehearsal and give it to the officiating priest or deacon.  He is responsible for completing the license and forwarding it to the state.
 

If you would like to learn more about weddings at St. Vincent's, please contact the Parish Life Director.