Holy Matrimony

Scheduling a Nuptial Mass*

By appointment.

To schedule a Nuptial Mass, call: 832-512-9993

*Note: Nuptial Masses MUST be scheduled at least three weeks in advance.

What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?

"Matrimony is the sacrament by which a baptized man and a baptized woman bind themselves for life in a lawful marriage and receive the grace to discharge their duties.

"(a) Though unbaptized persons can be truly married, only baptized persons can be united in the sacrament of Matrimony and receive the graces of this sacrament.

"(b) God instituted marriage when He made Eve as a helpmate for Adam in the garden of Eden.

"(c) We know from the constant tradition of the Church that marriage was made a sacrament by Our Lord sometime during His life on earth.

"(d) The outward sign in the sacrament of Matrimony is the external expression by the man and woman of their mutual consent to give themselves to each other as husband and wife.

"e) The sacrament of Matrimony is administered by the contracting parties, each of whom confers the sacrament on the other."

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.

In whose presence do the laws of the Church require a Catholic to be Married?

"The laws of the Church require a Catholic to be married in the presence of the parish priest, or the bishop of the diocese, or a priest delegated by either of them, and before two witnesses.*

"(a) The marriage of a Catholic before a minister or a civil official, such as a judge, a justice of the peace, a squire, or any clerk of court, is not really a marriage.

"(b) Catholics who live together after such a marriage are living in sin just as much as if they had never gone through such a ceremony.

"(c) Catholics who attempt marriage in this fashion commit a mortal sin and incur other punishments of the Church."

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.

*See below for special delegation given for witnessing marriages in circumstances of necessity

Marriages in Circumstances of Grave Necessity (Canon 1098):

"[Church law that allows for a priest from outside a diocese to witness the exchange of marriage vows when no valid priest with local delegation is available]

If the pastor, or the Ordinary [local bishop], or a priest delegated by either, as prescribed by can. 1095 and 1096, cannot be had without great inconvenience, then: in danger of death marriage may be validly and licitly contracted in the presence of two witnesses; the same holds good also where there is no danger of death, provided it may be prudently be foreseen that this condition of things will last for a month.

1) In both cases, however, if a priest is available, he must be called and assist at the marriage together with the two witnesses; but the marriage is valid if contracted in the presence of the witnesses alone. … the second case touches peculiar conditions. It may happen … that a pastor [priest] visits his mission only once a month or even less often. … the condition [the absence of a priest] must last one month (thirty days) or rather it must be foreseen that it may last that long.

2) That assistance without the pastor or the Ordinary or a delegate of either be allowable and the marriage be valid, the impossibility of having an authorized witness must be verified … [that is] … (a) if they cannot be had or reached … [or] the pastor cannot come, or is not available because of sickness, or absence, or for some other reason … [after] the parties themselves have made an effort to get the pastor by calling him by ordinary means of communication … Moreover, conditions may be unsafe for travelers, as in times of war, flood or quarantine … [or due to] great inconvenience … if the expenses were above the means of the parties concerned … The parties themselves must conscientiously judge as to the character of an existing inconvenience … in case of sickness or other impossibility a priest should be called who can be present. This priest may be any priest, even one under censure, or of another diocese … But the priest must be at hand … the parties need not search for him ... Lastly, calling a priest does not affect the validity of the marriage, which may be contracted validly in the presence of two witnesses …"

The Reverend P. Charles Augustine, O.S.B., D.D., Professor of Canon Law, A Commentary on the New Code of Canon Law; Book III, Volume V (Marriage Law; Matrimonial Trial) - Third Revised Edition, 1923, pages 293 to 296.

How Can Catholics best obtain God's blessing for their marriage?

"Catholics can best obtain God's blessing for their marriage by being married at a Nuptial Mass and by receiving Holy Communion devoutly.

"(a) In a Nuptial Mass special blessings are asked for the bride and groom.

"(b) When Catholics are not married at a Nuptial Mass they should arrange to receive the nuptial blessing at a later date.

"(c) Catholics who for any reason cannot be married at Mass should arrange to receive the nuptial blessing at a later date."

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.