Marriage
The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility, which in Christian marriage obtain a special firmness by reason of the sacrament (CCC 1056).
Marriage Guidelines
Couples wishing to marry at St. Brigid must be established registered members and active in the Parish for at least six months before a wedding date will be scheduled. Refer to Parish Wedding Guidelines for more information. According to Diocesan guidelines all couples must attend Pre-Cana classes six months before their wedding date. In addition, all couples must complete a survey covering a wide range of topics regarding relationships and married life. The survey is called Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study (FOCCUS). Results of the survey must be discussed with the couple prior to setting their wedding date. Couples can fulfill these requirements through our Pre-Cana and Couple-to-Couple ministries.
Pre-Cana
Pre-Cana is a two-day program beginning on a Friday from 7:00pm - 10:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm. It is scheduled two times each year. Sessions are taught by married couples who volunteer to share their experience and insight about various aspects of married life. Engaged couples then privately discuss the topics.
Couple to Couple
Engaged couples wishing to celebrate their Marriage at St. Brigid of Kildare are assigned to a trained married couple from the parish. The married couple facilitates discussion of results from the FOCCUS survey completed by the engaged couple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Catholic Church require to marry in the Church?
When should the couple contact the Parish?
How frequently does the couple meet during marriage preparation?
What other preparation steps are required?
How does Sacramental marriage become a total commitment?
Why does love of the spouses require unity and indissolubility?
Why does love involve total fidelity?
What are some of the difficulties with civil divorce?
How does Sacramental marriage involve procreation?
How do children become an integral part of Sacramental marriage?
How does Sacramental marriage center around the "good of the spouses?"
Selected Works for Further Study, Reflection, and Spiritual Reading
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, 1601 through 1666.
- United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 277 through 292.
- Code of Canon Law, Canon 1055 through Canon 1165.
- Called to Love: Approaching John Paul II’s Theology of the Body by Carl Anderson and José Granados.
- “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” A Pastoral Letter of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
- “Follow the Way of Love,” A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Bishops to Families.
- “Married Love and the Gift of Life,” A Booklet by the USCCB.
- “Between Man & Woman: Questions and Answers about Marriage and Same-Sex Unions,” A Booklet by the USCCB.
- “Made for Each Other: Sexual Difference and Complementarity,” A Booklet by the USCCB.
- “Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology,” A Booklet by the USCCB.
- “Hope for Married Couples Who Want to Have a Child,” A Booklet by John T. Bruchalski, M.D.