Getting Married
Congratulations on your engagement and decision to enter into Catholic marriage!We at St. Paul’s will help you in your preparation to ensure that you make this serious and sacred step in your life a holy and happy one.
Spiritual preparation is a key part of this special time. Frequent participation in the sacraments during this time is important, particularly weekly Mass attendance. It is also strongly recommended that you bring yourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this time of preparation. The engagement period can be particularly stressful at times, and the graces bestowed on you through Reconciliation and weekly Mass will be a great source of strength to help keep you focused and at peace. This spiritual direction will foster great growth and maturity for both partners.
Be assured that we are here to help you with whatever you need in friendship, prayer, and support! Please see below for the steps to take as you prepare for this sacrament.
The First Step
The day and time of the wedding must be arranged in person by the prospective bride and groom themselves as soon as they feel called to marry. No arrangement can be made by phone or by parents. All arrangements should be made at least 9 months prior to the wedding date.
Please call the rectory office at 401-461-5734 to schedule a meeting
The priest or deacon will schedule an initial meeting with you to get to know you and answer any questions you may have. Further requirements and guidelines will be discussed at this first meeting
Wedding Ceremony Readings
You will be responsible for choosing the readings from Scripture and the ones who will be proclaiming these readings at your wedding. The reading selections speak of God’s love for us and how that is reflected in marriage! Take your time and choose ones that bring God’s word into your heart and the heart of all attending.
Your readers should ideally be practicing Catholics. If not, make sure that those you choose are good examples of Christian life and virtue.