Congratulations! We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ’s spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, “Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church.”
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Change to Marriages at Sacred Heart Church require at least 6 months to 1 year preparation.
Fr. Thomas J. Doyle, Jr. is excited to help you prepare for your marriage through a series of sessions with you and your future spouse. In addition, the following must be completed:
Diocesan Marriage Prep Requirements:
All couples preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Rockford are required to complete diocesan preparation, in addition to the requirements of the marrying parish. Diocesan preparation requires completion of two courses: Pre-Cana and Natural Family Planning (NFP). Both courses are available in-person and online and offered in English or in Spanish.
Once parish preparation begins, couples should register with the Diocese. The cost for diocesan preparation is a flat rate of $190/couple and can be paid online at the time of registration.
To learn more about the course options, including dates and locations, and to register with the Diocese, please visit: www.rockforddiocese.org/life/marriage-prep for preparation in English or www.rockforddiocese.org/life/matimonio for preparation in Spanish.
For further information or assistance, contact:
Diocese of Rockford Life and Family Evangelization Office
[email protected] or 815-399-4300.
Marriages at Sacred Heart Church being performed by a priest/deacon other than Fr. Thomas J. Doyle, Jr. will require the date being scheduled through Fr. Thomas J. Doyle, Jr. and the priest to preside the marriage. Necessary approval of the priest as required by the Rockford Diocese and necessary paperwork and preparation will need to be provided by the presiding priest or deacon if not being done by Fr. Thomas J. Doyle, Jr.
Marriages can be scheduled for available Saturdays in the Church no later than 2:30 pm.
Marriage Booklets with Sacred Heart Church guidelines are available through the Director of Music and Liturgy by arrangement or in the parish office.
For your wedding Mass you may choose your readings:
Old Testament
New Testament
Gospel
Please contact the parish office with any questions
