MARRIAGE

Congratulations on your engagement! Thank you for your interest in getting married at St. Julie Billiart.

THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

In Christian marriage, spouses model the love and self-gift of Christ. By giving of themselves and serving one another, their family, and their community, they help one another live out Christ’s call to discipleship, love, and service. Marriage provides a foundation for a family committed to community, solidarity, and Jesus’ mission in the world.

Jesus brought to full awareness the divine plan for marriage. In John’s Gospel, Christ’s first miracle occurs at the wedding in Cana. “The Church attaches great importance to Jesus’ presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence” (CCC, no. 1613).
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. A 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.
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

A minimum of 6 month's notice is required by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to allow for proper preparation for the reception of the sacrament.

The first step is a one-on-one pre-nuptial inquiry interview with a priest or deacon to determine there are no impediments, such as a previous marriage that must be resolved before you can be married in the Church.

To reserve date & time the following are required: baptism certificate (updated certified copy), copy of First Communion certificate, and copy of Confirmation Certificate, and a $150 deposit

MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM
After the initial meeting with the priest or deacon, you will participate in the marriage preparation program Engaged Encounter. 
https://lacatholics.org/catholic-engaged-encounter-cee/