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Celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony
Catholic Teaching About Marriage
Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to beginning your marriage preparation at St. Ignatius of Loyola! For most people marriage is one of the most important decisions and realities of their life; in it, they form a community of love. For Catholics, marriage is not merely a civil contract but is a covenant between a man and a woman before God. If both are baptized, the marriage is a sacrament, a symbol of the unity of Christ and the Church. A sacramental marriage is a means of grace, giving strength to the husband and wife to live out their commitment, and to help each on the path to holiness. As you prepare for marriage, you'll be asked to reflect carefully and prayerfully on the nature of the Sacrament.
Preliminary Planning Begins with the Orientation Session
For all couples the first step in marriage preparation at St. Ignatius of Loyola is registration for and participation in the Marriage Orientation Session offered in English on the fourth Sunday of the month (see December date below for exception) in the Faber Building.
Please contact the Coordinator of the Sacrament of Matrimony at 346-290-7610
to reserve a spot or request the Orientation session in Spanish.
2024 MARRIAGE ORIENTATION DATES 2 PM in the Faber Center
Sunday: Nov 24 ***Dec 22
2025 MARRIAGE ORIENTATION DATES 2 PM in the Faber Center
Sunday: Jan 26 Feb 23 Mar 23 Apr 27 May 25 June 22
Prior to attending the Marriage Orientation, please visit the Archdiocesan page on the Marriage Timeline with the link above. We follow this timeline so it would be important to review the information to anticipate the length/requirements of marriage preparation.
Questions and an outline of the timeline will be discussed at the Marriage Orientation
Contact
Documents
Links
An initiative of the Catholic Church designed to help couples at all stages of life to understand and live God's plan for happy, holy marriages.
Archdiocese of Galveston Houston Marriage Prep Programs
Natural Family Planning
2025 Dates in English
St. Ignatius: 7 PM - Xavier
1/6 2/10 4/7 6/9
8/11 10/6
2025 Dates in Spanish
Christ the Good Shepherd 7 PM
1/13 2/17 4/22 6/16
8/18 10/13
FAQ:
How long before we get married should we register for the Marriage Orientation? The preparation process takes a minimum of 6-9 months so please consider attending the introductory session at least 7-10 months prior to your anticipated marriage date.
Should I book a venue or make arrangements at the church first?
Before you reserve a venue, contract with a photographer, think about invitations, or make any other agreements, you should attend the Marriage Orientation session. Archdiocesan guidelines require that you schedule your wedding at least 6 to 9 months before the time you'd like to get married. This will allow sufficient time for preparation, not only for the wedding celebration, which will last a short time but also for the marriage, which will last a lifetime.
Should we bring anything with us to the Marriage Orientation?
There is nothing you need to bring. We will provide you with everything you need for the session. If you have questions, come prepared to ask them.
When do weddings take place at St. Ignatius?
Weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., or 7:30 p.m.
Rehearsals are conducted the Friday evening before the wedding at 5:30 p.m.
How much does it cost to get married at St. Ignatius?
Fees will be discussed at the Marriage Orientation Session. However, any fees incurred are not for the Sacrament of Marriage, but rather for the ministers who will be partaking in your wedding such as musicians, liturgical ministers, and wedding coordinators as well as for the materials and resources that are part of the preparation process.
What if I am not a parishioner at St. Ignatius?
A parishioner is a person who has been a registered and a contributing member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish for at least 6 months prior to scheduling their wedding. All others are considered non-parishioners. Please contact the office for additional information.
What does the church say about marriage?
The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.(Catechism of the Catholic Church)
For further information please contact Linda Krehmeier,
Coordinator of the Sacrament of Matrimony
7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379