Marriage

God created man and woman out of love and commanded them to imitate his love in their relations with each other. Man and woman were created for each other…Woman and man are equal in human dignity, and in marriage both are united in an unbreakable bond.
(United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Ch. 21, p. 279)


The sacrament of marriage is a visible sign of God’s love for the Church. When a man and a woman are married in the Church, they receive the grace needed for a lifelong bond of unity.

Looking to get married here at Nativity?

Here are some helpful things to know:

To get started, please email Gigi at the Church Office. She is always happy and willing to work with our engaged couples through this process. We recommend making this contact at least 6-8 months before your desired wedding date.

Contact the Church Office


Documents you will need to begin:


  • Current Baptism Certificates for bride and groom. Make sure to have these from the Church where you were baptized, and have them include the complete address of the Church on the certificate, so we can help them update their records as well. If you were baptized here at Nativity, we'll have this record.
  • Communion and Confirmation Certificates. We just need a copy of these. If you received all your sacraments at the same Church, many times they will indicate this and send with your Baptism Certificate.
  • B Forms - Later on in the process, both the bride and groom will need two witnesses each who can give testimony as to your obvious upstanding character and freedom to marry. These forms will have to be signed and notarized before a priest or notary, so it's never too early to have your witnesses ready and waiting.


   What to expect after you make that initial contact:

  • Interview with a Priest - After you contact Gigi, she will schedule an appointment to meet with one of our priests. The purpose of this first meeting is to get to know a little about the couple in a relaxed and conversational atmosphere. 
  • Prepare & Enrich Survey – Is a survey which consists of several statements regarding important marital attitudes. Once administered, it helps you to discover your strength as a couple and those areas that still need growth. You will be given a Login Code during your appointment to access the Prepare & Enrich Assessment. The assessment can be taken in the comfort of your home and at your convenience. You do not need to be together to take the assessment. Once completed, please contact the Church Office to schedule a follow up appointment to review the results with the priest. 
  • Pre- Cana- Part of the Marriage preparation process, is that the couples attend a Pre-Cana class. The classes are an opportunity to delve into the sacramental and spiritual aspects of marriage. The Diocese of St. Petersburg offers a variety of programs that fulfill the Pre-Cana requirement.  You will be given more information regarding Pre-Cana at your initial appointment.


Convalidation- Couples who are married civilly and would now like to marry in the Church would still need to go through the marriage preparation process. In the end you will have a convalidation. 

   

   Previously Married? Seeking an Annulment? 

  • We can help you with that process

Annulments are for individuals who had a marriage end in divorce. Whether that marriage took place in the Catholic Church, another denomination, or a civil marriage, it may be appropriate to seek an annulment. We can help and guide you through the steps in the annulment process . Please contact Gigi in the Church Office to get the process started.

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