Marriage

The covenant of marriage is a visible sign of God’s love for the Church. When a man and a woman are married in the Church, they receive the grace needed for a lifelong bond of unity. We’re grateful to you for seeking out this grace and look forward to walking on this journey with you as you prepare.
The Vocation of Marriage
Throughout your life, whether you realize it or not, you have been preparing for this moment. Our vocation is that which God calls us to, which is our path of holiness, the way in which He wants us to follow Him, to reach one day the gates of Paradise. If marriage is your vocation, then God has been preparing you for it—by witnessing the example of your parents or others in their own marriage, by learning what it means to love, to sacrifice, through the deepening of faith in Christ, our Bridegroom, in so many ways.
Marriage is not something that we create or define. It was instituted during Creation and given a new birth by Christ as He elevated it to a Sacrament, a visible sign of that invisible reality of God’s grace at work in the world. The man and woman, husband and wife, are a visible sign to the world of God’s Triune love and love for His people. They are a reminder of the love of the Bridegroom for His Bride, Christ for the Church.
As such it has certain characteristics which can never be denied or set aside, such as permanence, fidelity and an openness to children. Also, this intimate union and equal partnership must always be entered into freely.
It was for this reason that God called Adam and Eve together: that they might share in His love, a love which overflows and gives life—to the individuals themselves and to the world. As such, marriage is a part of the natural order of Creation. Through it man and woman become coworkers with God in the Order of Creation as it continues on.
Natural Marriage
Sacramental Marriage
Marriage Preparation
Scheduling your Wedding
All scheduling in our parish family (St. Joseph, Mary Queen of Peace, and Our Lady of Sorrows) is done through Mary Williams. You cannot schedule your wedding until after you begin your marriage preparation.
We strongly recommend that you do not book any venues until your wedding date has been approved. We cannot guarantee any date that has not been officially confirmed.
As stated above, a Catholic must get married in the Church or have permission to do otherwise. If someone enters into a civil marriage without that permission, it is not a valid marriage. For those who wish to enter into a valid marriage and be able to receive the Sacraments again, please contact Mary Williams.
The preparation program is adapted depending upon how long you have been civilly married. When it is finished, the couple may get married in the church in the usual way, or submit a letter to the Archbishop asking that he accept the consent they initially exchanged with the understanding that it was to the full definition of marriage as created by God and handed on by the Church.
Special Note: Convalidation
Please contact Mary Williams with any questions regarding marriage at mwilliams@sjcissaquah.org or (425) 392-5516 ex 228