Sacrament of Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement!
Marriage is one of the most important decisions and realities of your life. In marriage, you form a community of love. For Catholics, marriage is not merely a civil contract but a covenant between a man and a woman before God. The Sacrament of Matrimony is 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 helping each on the path to holiness. As you prepare for marriage, you will be asked to reflect carefully and prayerfully on the nature of the Sacrament.
Celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Ignatius!
The first step is to attend Marriage Orientation together.
- At this time, we are not able to offer childcare during sessions.
- There is no fee for Orientation.
Marriage Orientation
2:00pm in Faber 5 in English
April 26
May 24
June 28
July 26
August 23
September 27
October 25
November 22
December 20
An introductory session on
Natural Family Planning is a required element of the Marriage Preparation process in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Natural Family Planning
in English
7:00pm - 8:00pm in Xavier 11 at St. Ignatius
April 20
June 8
August 10
October 5
There is no virtual option in English at this time.
Natural Family Planning
in Spanish
7:00pm - 8:00pm at Christ the Good Shepherd
April 13
June 15
August 17
October 12
There is a virtual option in Spanish at 7:30pm on
March 3
September 8
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 11:00am, 2:00pm, or 7:30pm. Rehearsals are conducted the Friday evening before the wedding at 5:30pm.
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.
How do I know if I am 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)
