Congratulations on your engagement! We are honored that you desire to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Nicholas, Garrison.
The Sacrament of Marriage is a holy covenant by which a man and a woman establish a lifelong partnership of love. In this sacrament, the couple gives themselves freely to one another, and God seals their union with His grace, calling them to reflect Christ’s faithful love for His Church.
Marriage was established by God and raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. Through their vows, the bride and groom become the ministers of the sacrament to each other, while the Church witnesses and blesses their commitment.
“Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
— Matthew 19:6
Couples are asked to call the parish office at least 9 months before the date of your wedding. Below is a brief summary of your next steps:
- Contact the parish office to check the availability for the date of your wedding.
- After reserving your date, couples will sign up for a marriage preparation introductory session. This session will explain our Pre-Marriage Preparation process in greater detail, including information on:
- Pre-Marriage Seminar Weekend registration details and dates
- Natural Family Planning (NFP)/Fertility Care details and registration instructions
- Liturgy and ceremony planning details
- Instructions for completing an online pre-marriage inventory
- Further details and components of our Marriage Preparation Program
What Marriage Is
Christian marriage is:
- A lifelong covenant, not a temporary contract
- A faithful and exclusive union
- Open to the gift of children
- A visible sign of God’s love in the world
Through the Sacrament of Marriage, husband and wife receive the grace to love one another selflessly, to grow in holiness together, and to support one another in times of joy and difficulty.
The Grace of the Sacrament
The Sacrament of Marriage:
- Strengthens the couple’s love and commitment
- Helps spouses live out their vows of fidelity and permanence
- Provides grace to face challenges with patience and forgiveness
- Calls the couple to form a domestic church, where faith is lived and passed on
Preparation for Marriage
Because marriage is a lifelong commitment, the Church requires a period of marriage preparation. This includes meetings with a priest or deacon, participation in a marriage preparation program, and reflection on the responsibilities of married life.
Couples planning to marry should contact the parish at least nine months in advance to begin preparation.
A Witness to God’s Love
Through the Sacrament of Marriage, spouses are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love by their faithful devotion to each other, their care for family and community, and their openness to God’s will.
“Love is patient, love is kind… Love never fails.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4, 8