Marriage

The Sacrament of marriage involves the joining of two people in a special union, a couple planning to marry should:

Before contracting for your reception, contact the parish priest or deacon at least one year prior to the anticipated wedding date; and,

Attend a marriage preparation program. There are three parts to the program:

1. Time for instruction and discussion with a priest or deacon.
2. Pre-Cana Conference or Engaged Encounter Weekend.
3. Time with the parish Couples Sponsor Program.

By Diocesan Policy, at least one year is needed to complete the marriage requirements.

Contact the Parish Office at 302-322-6430 to inquire about the Pre-Cana Schedule.

Marriage is a Vocation. The Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes and Pope John Paul II's Familiaris Consortio remind us that the way to holiness for a couple is through their vocation of marriage. "Filled with the spirit of Christ they grow in holiness and give glory to God together." Marriage could possibly be called the model vocation, as in their married life the couple is called to mirror the way Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25) and be a sign of this for the whole community.

Not only the couple but "the Christian family, reflecting and sharing in the covenant of love between Christ and the Church should show to all, the living presence of Christ and the real nature of the Church. The family will do this "through the mutual love of husband and wife, their generosity in giving life, their unity and faithfulness, and by the loving way in which all the members of the family work together."

Like any vocation, this, of course, isn't easy. It demands sacrifice, great virtue, and prayer.  Couples are called to take part in a renewal of married life, to instruct young people about marriage and to give a good example so that their children will more easily find the path to holiness.