Congratulations on your engagement!
When a man and woman celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony God as it were “is mirrored” in them; he impresses in them his own features and the indelible character of his love. Marriage is the icon of God’s love for us. Indeed, God is communion too: the three Persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit live eternally in perfect unity. And this is precisely the mystery of Matrimony: God makes of the two spouses one single life. The Bible uses a powerful expression and says “one flesh”, so intimate is the union between man and woman in marriage. And this is precisely the mystery of marriage: the love of God which is reflected in the couple that decides to live together. Therefore a man leaves his home, the home of his parents, and goes to live with his wife and unites himself so strongly to her that the two become — the Bible says — one flesh.
– Pope Francis, General Audience
Marriage Preparation
We are pleased you wish to celebrate your wedding at St Joseph Catholic Church. A Christian wedding is a public act of worship celebrated as the liturgy of the entire believing community. You are asking the Church to witness your pledge of enduring love. You seek God’s blessing and the blessing and support of the Christian community as you embark on your life together as husband and wife as well as a prayerful celebration of the Lord’s love for us and our love for one another.
We hope that you will see the parish’s program for engaged couples as an invaluable help to you in preparing for your marriage. Please know that we support you with our prayers and want your wedding day to be a very happy day for you and your family and friends.
The following is a guideline of the marriage preparation process:
- Those interested in being married at St. Joseph Parish must be registered and have active membership in the parish at least six months before scheduling the wedding.
- The wedding date is set only by contacting the Pastor, Fr. Andrew Raczkowski, at 269-651-5200
Please be aware that there are certain times of the year weddings are not held.