Matrimony

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)

God who created man out of love also calls him to love the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love. Since God created man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man.

Congratulations on your engagement! In the Catholic Church, we celebrate marriage as a sacrament – we celebrate the life that you both are committing to build together, and that the love you have for one another will become a model of Christ’s love for the world around you. Your marriage is a commitment between the two of you, but it is a gift from God to the rest of the world — a world that your fidelity and love have the power to transform. To celebrate your marriage at OLHC, here is what you’ll need:

  •  See Monsignor Baver after 11AM Mass. Monsignor Baver will schedule an interview with the two of you.
  • The Office of Evangelization and Formation oversees Marriage Preparation programs in the Diocese of Allentown. If you have any questions about marriage preparation, you can always speak with Monsignor Baver or contact Kristin at the Office of Evangelization and Formation at kosenbach@allentowndiocese.org.
  • You will have to contact the parish where you were baptized for an original of your Baptismal Certificate.
  • You will have 90 days from the time of your registration to complete the FOCCUS questionnaire before it expires. The FOCCUS questionnaire should be taken at least six months prior to the wedding date (preferably within two weeks of receiving email with login and password) to allow time for proper catechesis and formation. The cost to complete the FOCCUS questionnaire is $15, due upon registration. To register for FOCCUS in English, Click here.
  • En Español aquí

Couples should contact the Pastor at the time of formal engagement or at least six months prior to the desired date of the wedding. In the case of a mixed marriage, the non-Catholic party must arrange to receive instructions about the Catholic faith prior to the celebration of the sacrament.