Marriage Prep

The Church views marriage as a “covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life” (Catechism 1601).  In its understanding of marriage, the Church looks back to the union between man and woman ordained by God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-2).  Christ worked his first miracle in the context of a wedding feast.  In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the married couple become, in their unity and in their love for one another, “an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence” (Catechism 1613).  Marriage, as a visible sign of God’s infinite love, is a gift to the couple, the Church and the world.

• Parishioners (and their adult children) who are registered and active for at least twelve months may schedule a wedding at their home parish in the New Kensington Catholic Community (St. Mary of Czestochowa, St. Joseph, or Mt. St. Peter). The initial contact with the Parish Office should take place at least one year prior to the date requested to celebrate the Sacrament.

• Non-parishioners and parishioners who have been registered and active in the parish for less than twelve months may schedule a wedding no sooner than six months prior to their intended date and only if that date is not already booked.

Those preparing to celebrate the sacrament of Marriage may wish to download these important documents.

• Wedding Guidelines

• Marriage Registration Form

• Visiting Clergy Permission Form

• Wedding Coordinator Guide

• Online Marriage Preparation