THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS a weekly bulletin & newsletter June 24, 2018 • The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Welcoming Couples to the Sacrament of Marriage Through Convalidation If you had been in the Church on June 9th, you would have seen five couples being married at one time in the first-ever Group Convalidation at St. Louis. Our Pastor, Father James Misko, was the celebrant. All of these five couples had been married civilly, some for many years, with children of all ages. Most countries in the world (other than the U.S.) require couples to be married by civil authorities before seeking the Sacrament of Marriage within a church. Baptized Catholics in civil marriages, however, are unable to receive communion or Confirmation. They cannot be sponsors for baptism or serve as liturgical ministers until their marriage is made sacramental through convalidation. What is a Group Convalidation? Group convalidations are exclusively for couples who have been civilly married only, living as man and wife, often with children. Group Convalidations will be celebrated with a Mass, which recognizes the couple’s readiness to receive the Sacrament of Marriage. At their marriage, many of these couples are receiving communion for the first time in decades, so it’s a joyful occasion both for them and for the Church. 1
What happens first? Marriage files for couples are prepared by priests or deacons of St. Louis, who will determine, on an individual basis, whether additional marriage classes are needed. Couples married civilly for five years or less will normally be asked to take one of our marriage preparation courses. What are the advantages of a Group Convalidation? Couples will share the costs of renting the Church or hiring musicians, with minimal expense to them. Everything including the acolyte, lector, readings, wedding monitor and musicians will be arranged by the Church staff, as part of their low cost fee. The focus is on receiving the Sacrament rather than incurring debt and it’s a beautiful celebration where these couples are brought in communion with their Church once again.
512-454-0384
For information on weddings at St. Louis, check out our website: www.st-louis.org/marriage St. Louis Catholic Church & School