Sacraments > marriage

A marriage in which both husband and wife are baptized Christians is called a sacramental marriage, for it expresses sacramentally Christ’s love for his bride, the Church.

marriage

What is the sacrament of marriage?

A marriage in which both husband and wife are baptized Christians is called a sacramental marriage, for it expresses sacramentally Christ’s love for his bride, the Church.

It is by following Christ, renouncing themselves, and taking up their crosses that spouses will be able to “receive” the original meaning of marriage and live it with the help of Christ. This grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of Christ’s cross, the source of all Christian life. This is what the Apostle Paul makes clear when he says: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her,” adding at once: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one. This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1615-1616)

Because marriage is an expression of Christian faith, a Catholic is required to approach marriage through the agency of a Catholic church.

If you wish to marry at St Augustine’s, please contact the parish office at least six months before your preferred wedding day, and ask to make an appointment with one of the priests. The Priest will lead you through the initial paperwork and give you directions for beginning a Marriage Preparation course, which every engaged couple is obliged to complete before the wedding.

 

preparing for your wedding - what to know?

Music

In selecting the music for your wedding, please remember that the ceremony is religious in nature; please choose music that accords.
Songs from the movies, T.V. shows, or stage productions are discordant; insofar as such songs draw attention to themselves, they distract the congregation from the often subtle solemnity of sacred proceedings. Favorite songs meaningful to the bride and groom would be better suited to the wedding reception.

Decoration of the Church

The couple may decorate the church if they please, so long as they refrain from using adhesives that may damage the church furniture, and so long as they understand that decorations must be removed promptly after the wedding celebration.

Photographs

Pictures taken by guests are permitted, however the photos must be taken from their pew, thus avoiding any distraction to the service. No photos are allowed during the scripture readings or during the homily. Any equipment that requires the use of flood lighting such as movie cameras are prohibited in our church. Professional photographers are permitted; however must check beforehand with the priest as to where and when pictures may be taken. Photographers and guests are not permitted in the sanctuary area (the front of the church on any of the risers or steps).

Dress

Your wedding celebrates the sacred bond with which you join yourself to your intended spouse; let the clothes you wear (and that your wedding party wears) reflect the solemnity and holiness of your intent.

Confetti

No confetti, rice, birdseed etc. is allowed either inside or outside the church. Not following this expectation will result in a fee for clean-up being levied on the couple. A suggestion…bubbles are an acceptable alternative.

Visiting Clergy

Visiting priests and deacons are welcome to celebrate a couple’s marriage. However, they must be a priest/deacon in good standing with the Church and the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. Visiting clergy must agree to follow the wedding protocols established by St. Augustine’s Parish community prior to receiving delegation from the pastor.

The Liturgy

For two practicing Catholics, the marriage ceremony usually takes place with the Mass. (A practicing Catholic is someone who is baptized in the Catholic Church and who attends Sunday Mass each weekend unless prevented from doing so by illness or other circumstances beyond her/his control.) Holy Communion takes place during the Mass and is reserved for practicing Catholics.

The Nuptial Liturgy Outside Mass is the other option used for marriage ceremonies, and is the option to be used for non-practicing Catholics and the marriage of a Catholic and a non-Catholic. It is also rich in prayers, scripture readings, a homily and the Rite of Marriage.

For more information please contact the Parish Office.