The Sacrament of Matrimony

In the Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that reflects the faithful and unbreakable love of Christ for His Church. Through their marriage vows, a husband and wife enter into a lifelong partnership rooted in love, fidelity, and mutual self-gift.

By the grace of this sacrament, the couple is strengthened to love and serve one another, to grow in holiness together, and to build a family grounded in faith. Their marriage becomes a living sign of God’s love in the world and a witness to the beauty of lifelong commitment.

Marriage is therefore more than a celebration or a single day—it is a vocation, a calling from God to live out divine love through everyday acts of sacrifice, forgiveness, joy, and faithfulness.

How to Schedule a Wedding

Couples who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish are asked to begin the preparation process at least nine months before their desired wedding date. This time allows couples to prepare spiritually, relationally, and practically for the lifelong vocation of marriage.

Marriage preparation at the parish includes:

• Completion of a Premarital Inventory (Fully Engaged)
• Participation in an approved Marriage Preparation Workshop (such as the Witness to Love program or a Diocesan Marriage Preparation Retreat)
• Several meetings with the pastor for spiritual guidance and pastoral preparation
• Planning the wedding liturgy with the parish Director of Music
• Submission of updated sacramental certificates and other documents required by the Diocese of Venice

This process helps couples deepen their understanding of the sacrament and prepare for a faithful and Christ-centered marriage.

Begin the Process

To begin planning your wedding at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, please contact the Parish Office to schedule your initial meeting with the pastor.

Parish Office: (239) 283-9501

During this first meeting, the pastor will discuss the preparation process, answer your questions, and help you begin the steps toward celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Church.

Marriage Preparation Documents

Please review and complete the following materials as part of your preparation:

• Marriage Preparation and Guidelines
• Affidavit Concerning Freedom to Marry
• Pre-Nuptial Questionaire (Groom)
• Pre-Nuptial Questionaire (Bride)

Annulments

• Formal Case
• Lack of Form
• Ligamen Prior Bond
• Pauline Privilege
• Petrine Privilege
• Marital History Questions
• Witness Form
• Character Witness Form

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Marriage and the Gift of Children

The Catholic Church teaches that children are a precious gift from God and a central blessing of married life. Married couples are called to welcome life generously and to raise their children in faith, love, and virtue.

The Church also recognizes that couples may prayerfully discern the spacing of children for serious reasons. For this purpose, the Church supports Natural Family Planning (NFP).

Natural Family Planning is a moral and effective way for couples to understand and cooperate with the natural rhythms of fertility. By observing the natural signs of a woman’s fertility, couples can responsibly seek or postpone pregnancy while respecting the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of marriage.

Unlike artificial contraception, Natural Family Planning honors both dimensions of marital love:

• The unitive dimension — the loving bond between spouses
• The procreative dimension — openness to the gift of life

Practicing NFP encourages communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility within marriage while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Church, including those expressed in Humanae Vitae.

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Learn More About Natural Family Planning

For more information about Natural Family Planning and available resources, please visit:
www.nfpandmore.org