MARRIAGE

Anticipation of the Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage
at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Parish

Our parish staff is always delighted to help the young adults of our parish to prepare for their special sacramental day of marriage. Perhaps this short explanation will give you some guidance.

In almost all cases, the initial call to inquire about a date for a wedding should be made by one of the engaged couple. Before we can set a date, the priests and staff are required to ensure that the couple is canonically free to marry. Once that is quickly established, we can reserve a date.

If your son or daughter is a parishioner celebrating their marriage in another parish, many dioceses and parishes require a letter from Ss. Faith, Hope & Charity stating that they are a registered member of this parish and giving them permission to get married at another parish.

For baptized Catholics, the United States bishops have not granted permission for a celebration of a sacramental marriage outside of a church building. Exceptions can be made for inter-religious marriages once approved by the Chancery. Normally, the sacrament of marriage is within a Catholic Church in the presence of a Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses.

The Archdiocese of Chicago requests a six (6) month period for marriage preparation which includes:

• A series of meetings with the priest/deacon who is celebrating your marriage to fill out the prenuptial questionnaire and other paperwork;
• Copies of your baptismal and confirmation certificates (not less than 6 months old);
• Contacting our music director to plan your music selections;
• Attending an Archdiocesan pre-Cana class;
• One week before your wedding, all documentation should be in the Parish Office (license included).

Weddings at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity are celebrated on Saturdays at 3 PM. Weddings are not celebrated on certain days (Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Holy Saturday, etc.) and Saturday dates are based upon availability on a first requested basis.

If you would like more information on Annulment please click here or reach out to the Metropolitan Tribunal - Archdiocese of Chicago (archchicago.org) or call (312) 534-8280.