Getting Married

We are delighted that you have decided to hold your marriage ceremony in our parish.

A church wedding is above all a religious ceremony, where the bride and groom commitment themselves before God and the community to lifelong, faithful love. Despite some misunderstandings, a wedding in the church is not an expensive option compared to other venues.

It is a requirement of the archdiocese that couples intending to marry should give a minimum of three months notice to the priest.

Please ensure that the priest and the church are available before making other firm wedding arrangements.

Couples will fill in a PRE-NUPTIAL ENQUIRY with the Priest. This form includes details of Baptism, Confirmation and Freedom to marry.

It is requirement of the diocese that all Couples attend a Pre-Marriage Course. Details of these courses are available in the Parish Bulletin and also from ACCORD – on their website http://accord-ni.co.uk

The new marriage law 2004 requires that both persons inform the state before the wedding. A notification of marriage form will need to be signed by the priest celebrating the wedding Mass. This form is available from the local registrar’s office or downloaded here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/gro-446-marriage-notice-form-v06.22.pdf

Baptisms

A general definition for the word baptism is “a rite of washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration.” This rite was practiced frequently in the Old Testament. It signified purity or cleansing from sin and devotion to God. Since baptism was first instituted in the Old Testament many have practiced it as a tradition yet have not fully understood its significance and meaning.

In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. John the Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message. John’s baptizing is called “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4 (NIV). Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

For Roman Catholics it is a public act of initiation into the Church and the beginning of a process of participating in the activity of the Faith community we call parish. Therefore it is a public ceremony which involves the participation of the community.

If you’d like to know more about the importance of Baptism and your own faith journey have a look at this item from the archdiocese of Toronto: http://www.archtoronto.org/discipleship/documents/ModelACatecheticalsession_000.pdf

Booking: Please contact parish office for more information