Casamiento
At **St. George Catholic Church**, we rejoice with couples who are preparing to celebrate the **Sacrament of Matrimony**. Marriage in the Catholic Church is not simply a legal contract or a social celebration—it is a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another for life, with Christ at the center.
The Church desires to walk with couples as they prepare not only for a wedding day, but for a **lifetime of faithful love**.
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## What Is Marriage?
The Church teaches:
> *“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.”*
> *(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601)*
In Christian marriage:
* husband and wife give themselves freely and totally to one another
* their love becomes a visible sign of Christ’s love for His Church
* they promise lifelong fidelity, openness to life, and mutual support
Marriage is both a **gift from God** and a **vocation**—a calling to love as Christ loves.
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## Marriage Is a Sacrament of Covenant and Love
Marriage is not based solely on feelings or compatibility. It is a covenant rooted in **faith, sacrifice, and grace**.
Through the Sacrament of Matrimony:
* Christ strengthens the bond between husband and wife
* spouses receive grace to love faithfully in times of joy and difficulty
* marriage becomes a path to holiness
The love shared between spouses is meant to reflect God’s faithful, self-giving love to the world.
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## A Sacred Responsibility
By seeking marriage in the Catholic Church, a couple accepts a sacred responsibility to live their vocation with faith and intention.
To **live the vocation of marriage** means choosing daily to love, forgive, and serve one another, remaining faithful through all stages of life.
To **build a Christian home** means placing **Sunday Mass, prayer, and the life of the Church** at the center of family life, creating a home where faith is lived, spoken about, and handed on.
To **walk together in faith** means growing spiritually as a couple—supporting one another in prayer, remaining open to God’s plan, and trusting in His grace during challenges and changes.
Marriage is not meant to be lived alone. Christ remains present in the union He blesses.
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## Eligibility
To be married in the Catholic Church:
* At least one party must be a **baptized Catholic**
* Both parties must be **free to marry according to the norms of the Catholic Church**
* Both must freely consent to marriage and understand its lifelong nature
If either party has been previously married, please contact the Parish Office **as early as possible**, as additional steps may be required before a wedding can be scheduled.
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## Marriage Preparation Process
Marriage preparation follows **diocesan and parish requirements** and is mandatory for all couples seeking marriage in the Catholic Church. Preparation is designed to help couples grow in communication, faith, and understanding of the lifelong commitment they are making.
Marriage preparation includes:
* meetings with the priest or deacon
* completion of a **premarital inventory**
* participation in an approved **marriage preparation program**
* instruction on the sacramental meaning of marriage
* preparation of the wedding liturgy
Marriage preparation is not meant to be an obstacle, but a gift—helping couples build a strong foundation for their life together.
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## Planning Your Wedding
Couples wishing to be married at St. George must begin the marriage preparation process **at least one year in advance** of their desired wedding date.
A requested wedding date may be **tentatively scheduled** while the couple is completing the required marriage preparation. **Final confirmation of the wedding date is contingent upon the completion of all diocesan and parish marriage preparation requirements.**
Beginning preparation early allows couples the time and space needed for meaningful formation, honest conversation, and spiritual growth as they prepare not just for a wedding day, but for a lifetime of marriage.
Couples are strongly encouraged not to delay contacting the Parish Office.
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## Marriage Preparation FAQ
### **Why does the Church require one year of preparation?**
Marriage is a lifelong covenant, not a one-day event. The Church asks for adequate preparation time so couples can reflect, grow, and enter marriage with clarity, faith, and freedom.
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### **Can we reserve or “hold” a wedding date while we prepare?**
A requested wedding date may be **tentatively scheduled** while the couple completes the required marriage preparation. **No wedding date is confirmed until all diocesan and parish marriage preparation requirements have been completed.**
This policy allows couples to plan responsibly while ensuring that proper preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony is completed.
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### **Is marriage preparation just paperwork and meetings?**
No. While some documentation is required, marriage preparation focuses on formation—communication, faith, commitment, conflict resolution, and understanding marriage as a sacrament.
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### **What if one of us is not Catholic?**
Mixed-faith marriages are possible in the Church. The Catholic party must be committed to living their faith and raising children in the Church. The preparation process helps couples navigate this with respect and clarity.
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### **What if one of us was previously married?**
Please contact the Parish Office as early as possible. Previous marriages may require an annulment or additional steps before a wedding can be confirmed.
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### **Is marriage preparation meant to discourage couples?**
No. Marriage preparation exists to **support**, not discourage. It helps couples enter marriage freely, knowingly, and with the grace God desires to give them.
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## Continuing the Journey
Marriage does not end at the altar. Couples are encouraged to continue growing together by:
* faithful participation in Sunday Mass
* praying together as a couple and family
* remaining connected to the parish community
* seeking support during challenges
The parish community is here to support married couples throughout every stage of their life together.
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## Questions or Ready to Begin?
If you are engaged or considering marriage in the Catholic Church, please contact the Parish Office **as early as possible**. We are happy to walk with you as you prepare for this sacred covenant.