Holy Matrimony

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. - Gen 2:6

In the Catholic Church, marriage was elevated by Christ Himself, in His participation in the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), to be one of the seven sacraments. Being a sacrament, marriage expresses the unbreakable bond of love between Christ and His people. In a sacramental marriage, God’s love becomes present to the spouses in their union and also flows through them to their family and community. By their permanent, faithful giving to each other, the couple reveals something of God’s unconditional love.

Conjugal love (love between husband and wife) involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter - appeal of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to forming one heart and soul; it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. In a word it is a question of the normal characteristics of all natural conjugal love, but with a new significance which not only purifies and strengthens them, but raises them to the extent of making them the expression of specifically Christian values." - CCC1643

Sacraments bring grace to those who receive them with the proper disposition. In marriage, the grace of this sacrament brings to the spouses the help they need to be faithful and to be good parents. It also helps a couple to serve others beyond their immediate family and to bear witness to a loving and lasting marriage is both desirable and possible. The sacrament is not a social convention, an empty ritual or merely the outward sign of a commitment. It is a gift given for the sanctification and salvation of the spouses. Marriage is mission.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Cor 13:4-7

Your Marriage Preparation Journey

  1. Book the Church for your Wedding Mass

Couples should contact the Parish Office at least 12 months before their intended wedding date to check the availability of the church and presiding priest.To reserve the church for your Wedding Mass, please complete the booking form:

DOWNLOAD WEDDING BOOKING FORM

  1. Attend Marriage Preparation (MPC/EE)

Couples are required to attend a Marriage Preparation Course (MPC) or Engaged Encounter (EE) as part of their preparation for Catholic marriage. These programmes provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christian marriage, deepen communication with your partner, and explore your shared values and beliefs. Beyond the required programmes, couples are encouraged to set aside intentional time for spiritual preparation and meaningful conversations as they journey towards marriage.

  1. Arrange for Your Presiding Priest

Your presiding priest will accompany you through your marriage preparation, guide you through the required Church processes, and celebrate your Wedding Mass with you.

  1. Sign up for Natural Family Planning course

Couples are encouraged to learn about Natural Family Planning (NFP) as part of their preparation for marriage. NFP helps couples understand fertility and make responsible decisions about family planning in accordance with Catholic teachings.

  1. Pre-Nuptial Inquiry (PNI)

The form will be completed by the couple in the presence of the priest at least 6 months before the wedding. You will need to obtain an extract of your baptism certificates (do enquire at the parish you were baptised at) and the certificate from MPC or EE. If you have already been solemnized, you will also need your ROM certificate. 

  1. File notice of your marriage at ROM

Couples must file a Notice of Marriage with the Registry of Marriages (ROM) between 6 months and 21 days before the wedding date. When submitting your application, indicate that your solemnisation will take place in a Catholic church. Please provide the Notification of Marriage to the priest celebrating your Wedding Mass or the Parish Office.

  1. Arrange for a wedding rehearsal on a weekday

The couple as well as the wedding planner(s) will be guided through on what to do during the ceremony.

Continue Your Marriage Journey

Marriage preparation does not end on your wedding day. The Church offers programmes that support couples at different stages of married life, including: