At Our Lady of Lourdes, we celebrate Christian marriage as a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another in a lifelong union of faithful love. Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, Christ blesses their commitment and strengthens them with the grace of the Holy Spirit to live their vocation with love, fidelity, and selfless service.
Marriage is a visible sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church. United by God’s grace, husband and wife are called to support one another through every season of life, to welcome the gift of children with generous hearts, and to build a home where faith, love, forgiveness, and hospitality are lived each day.
The family is often called the “domestic church” because it is the first place where faith is learned, nurtured, and shared. As a parish family, Our Lady of Lourdes is committed to accompanying married couples and families through prayer, worship, faith formation, and fellowship. Together, we seek to strengthen marriages, support family life, and help every household grow as a witness to Christ’s love in the world.
Procedures
- The couple contacts the Parish Office at least six months before the proposed date of the marriage. For further information, Patti Eastwood, 321-723-3636 ext 3022 for more information.Weddings are not celebrated during Lent.
- The couple generally prepares for marriage in the parish where at least one of them is a registered, participating member.
- If one or other of the couple has been previously married, and if an annulment is needed, the annulment process will be completed before marriage preparation begins.
- At the couple’s first appointment, elements of the preparation process will be explained including FOCCUS assessment; the Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana seminar/retreat; meeting with the priest or deacon who will preside at your wedding; planning the liturgy; and the required paperwork, including a recent copy of each one’s Baptismal certificate.
- A date for the wedding will be confirmed on the parish calendar when the FOCCUS and Pre-Cana are completed.