Holy Matrimony

Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.

“The matrimonial covenant, by which, a man and a woman establish a lifelong partnership between themselves, derives its force and strength from creation, but for the Christian faithful it is also raised up to a higher dignity, since it is numbered among the Sacraments of the new covenant” (Order of Celebrating Matrimony, Introduction, 1).

“By the Sacrament of Matrimony Christian spouses signify and participate in the mystery of unity and fruitful love between Christ and the Church; therefore, both in embracing conjugal life and in accepting and educating their children, they help one another to become holy and have their own place and particular gift among the People of God” (8).

Baptized Catholics are obligated to be married in the Church, according to canonical form, witnessed by a priest or deacon, with two additional witnesses, in order to contract a valid marriage. Any exemptions require permissions and dispensations in advance from the Diocesan Bishop or delegation from the Diocesan Tribunal.

Those who are in an irregular marriage should first have their marriage validated sacramentally in the Church before being asked to serve as godparents or sponsors. Validating a marriage in the Catholic Church, known as “convalidation,” involves a formal process where a civilly married couple exchanges vows before a priest or deacon and two witnesses to align their marriage in accord with Church law. The process typically requires meeting with a priest or deacon, obtaining newly issued baptismal records with notations from one’s parish of baptism, participating in some form of marriage preparation, and resolving any previous marriages. Contact Fr. Terry or Deacon Dave (440-946-0887) to inquire or begin the process.

Sufficient time is required for suitable preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The Church requires at least six months. Engaged couples should begin by contacting a priest or deacon to schedule an initial meeting. A brief canonical assessment is then conducted to determine the couple’s freedom to marry. A wedding date is never to be set until it is certain that the couple is free to marry in the Catholic Church. Neither should couples commit to a reception venue without first confirming the date and time is available at the church.

In the weeks and months ahead, preparation which focuses on building a sacramental, Christ-centered marriage occurs. At St. Noel, this includes (but is not limited to) meetings, theological reflection, a Pre-Cana retreat day, and use of the number one premarital and marriage assessment: Prepare/Enrich, which uses evidence-based skills and insights to foster healthy relationships.

If young adults are still registered under their parent’s household at a given parish, this is the appropriate time to register themselves and begin their own history at a parish they choose to call their spiritual home.

The celebration of Matrimony can take place with or without Mass. If both parties are Catholic, the celebration with Mass should be desired. If a Catholic is engaged to a baptized non-Catholic or an unbaptized person, the celebration should be without Mass; however, the priest or deacon assisting the couple in their preparation can help make a decision that suits the spiritual welfare of the couple and their families.

Guest celebrants (priests or deacons) who are properly delegated are welcome with the necessary permissions required by Canon Law.

Typically, at St. Noel, weddings are often scheduled on Saturdays at 1 pm or 1:30 pm. Friday afternoons and evenings can also be arranged. A couple could even make the decision to have their wedding celebrated within a weekend liturgy with the whole community present!

Rehearsals are often scheduled at 5 pm the evening before the wedding day and usually last one hour or less. Parents, immediate family members, the bridal party, as well as the individuals chosen to proclaim Scripture readings, lead the intercessions, and serve as gift bearers are among those who should be present for the rehearsal. 

The parish will provide two wedding coordinators of its own to ensure helpful direction at both the rehearsal and on the wedding day. Altar servers are also provided.

For registered parishioners, the suggested offering to the parish is $500. This amount is shared with the celebrant, altar servers, and wedding coordinators. The remainder serves as a general donation to the parish. 

Our Director of Music, Tony Ward, will meet with couples several weeks prior to the wedding day, and will assist them in the necessary selections for their celebration. Secular music is simply not permitted at Catholic liturgy. The music must be sacred, liturgical, or traditional, intended to worship God, and not merely express personal romantic sentiment. Pre-recorded music is not permitted at St. Noel. All musical selections must be approved by the pastor, guest celebrant, and/or Director of Music.

In addition to the suggested donation to the parish, an additional amount of $250 is to be offered to the Director of Music, Tony Ward, who will cantor and offer accompaniment. Qualified guest cantors and instrumentalists are also welcome, subject to advance notice and approval.

The parish can assist couples with the design and printing of a suitable worship aid (program) to foster the participation of the assembly.

Florists, photographers, videographers, and wedding coordinators are welcome and should be dressed respectfully, given the sacred space and nature of the celebration. Any questions or concerns need to be answered and finalized prior to the day of rehearsal.

Consider hosting your reception at the Banquet Center at Saint Noel. Contact our Executive Chef and General Manager, Randy Henning (440-946-6635) for pricing and availability. Registered parishioners receive a discount.

Anyone who is held by a prior bond of marriage cannot validly attempt marriage without a decree of invalidity, or what is commonly called 
“an annulment.” This is a statement decreed by a Church Tribunal that a prior marriage bond did not exist according to the teachings of the Church. A Tribunal is an official ecclesiastical court in the Catholic Church which primarily evaluates petitions for a declaration of nullity (annulment) for failed marriages. The primary role is pastoral, finding the truth about a marriage’s validity and helping people move forward in their faith, rather than assigning blame.

The bond of marriage is not broken by civil divorce, and spouses are not free to have another relationship which contradicts the bond with their former spouse without a decree of invalidity by the Tribunal.

This process is confidential, free of charge, and usually takes 9-18 months. Petitioners work with case specialists, priests, deacons, or laypeople to submit testimony, with a focus on the courtships or engagement period. Important to note: Even if a marriage is declared invalid, children conceived or born of an invalid marriage are still considered to be legitimate. If a marriage is declared invalid, then both parties are free to marry in the Catholic Church.

To determine if you need to petition for a declaration of nullity and how to get started, you can:

1. Meet with a priest, deacon, or lay minister at your parish. If he or she is not able to help you directly, you will be referred to someone who can. Contact Fr. Terry or Deacon Dave to help with initial assistance (440-946-0887).
2. Contact the Tribunal (216-696-6525 ext. 4000).
3. Fill out a form on the diocesan website, requesting a referral to a Case Specialist: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/tribunal. 
4. Attend a presentation given by the tribunal staff.