Marriage
A Lifelong Covenant and Vocation
Matrimony is an exclusive and lifelong covenant in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another. Between baptized Christians, Christ raises this covenant to the dignity of a sacrament—a visible sign of his faithful and fruitful love for the Church.
Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, husband and wife receive grace to love one another faithfully, help each other grow in holiness, and build a family open to the gift of life.
“The grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to perfect the couple’s love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity” (CCC 1641).
Preparing for Marriage
Congratulations on your engagement! The Parishes of Kirkland are honored to accompany couples preparing to celebrate Matrimony at either Holy Family or St. John Mary Vianney, as well as our parishioners preparing for a Catholic wedding elsewhere.
Your first step is to contact us at least six months before your hoped-for wedding date—even if the date is not yet firm—and before reserving a reception venue or making other firm commitments. A wedding date is not final until it has been confirmed by the parish.
Contact: Julie Klinkenberg, Administrative Assistant for Sacraments
What Marriage Preparation Includes
- meeting with the pastor or his delegate;
- completing the Church documentation needed to establish both parties’ freedom and readiness to marry;
- participating in an approved marriage-preparation program and assessment; and
- preparing the wedding liturgy and attending to the arrangements particular to the church where the wedding will be celebrated.
Whatever your circumstances—even if you have been away from the Church for some time—we are glad you have come to us and look forward to accompanying you. Our purpose is not merely to help arrange a wedding, but to help you prepare for a holy, faithful, and joyful marriage.