CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!
The vocation of Christian marriage demands a serious commitment. Consequently, the Church desires to do all that it can do so that couples are adequately prepared to accept the obligations of Christian marriage and to fulfill them faithfully. The Catholic experience of celebrating marriage vows clearly conveys the Church’s beliefs about the Sacrament of Marriage.
Thinking Of Getting Married at St. Theresa Church?
We are pleased that you have chosen to celebrate your marriage at St. Theresa Parish. In the Catholic faith, marriage is not just a legal contract – marriage is a sacrament, a sign of God’s love for you and with you through your married lives. As you celebrate your wedding at St. Theresa Church, we will assist you in every way possible to be aware of God’s presence in your lives, and to make this celebration a faith-filled event for the two of you and for your families and friends.
View Our Marriage Prep Handbook
Please keep in mind that in order to be married at St. Theresa Church, you or your fiance(e) must be a registered and active member of our parish for at least six months prior to your marriage date.
Marriage Dates and Times
In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, the couple planning marriage must contact one of the parish priests at least six months prior to the wedding date. Weddings at St. Theresa Church may be scheduled with the priest at the time of your meeting and typically occur on Fridays or Saturdays.
You will need to obtain the following documents:
—A Baptismal Certificate issued within the past six months (no photocopies)
—A Certificate of Confirmation for all Catholics
—A Pre-Nuptial Questionnaire for the bride and groom must be completed with the consulting priest or deacon at least six weeks before the wedding
—Affidavits may be required – your consulting priest or deacon will inform you if needed
—A Marriage License – This can be obtained from the Cook County Clerk’s office. The closest office is at 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows. The license is valid one day after the date of issue and remains valid for 60 days.
Note: Baptismal certificates should always be authenticated personally by one of the priests, deacons, or parish ministers. They should always include a statement about the presence or absence of a notation about a previous marriage. Photo copies of documents (i.e., baptismal and marriage certificates, divorce papers, etc.) should not be accepted unless they are certified by a priest or proper authority.
For more information, please call the parish office at 847.358.7760 or email one of our parish priests. Thank you!
Wedding Ministry Spotlight: Congrats, Chrissy & Wassim and Marriage Convalidation
Congrats to Chrissy & Wassim on your Sacrament of Holy Matrimony! What a beautiful convalidation ceremony in the Adoration Chapel! God bless!
If you know a married couple who did not marry in the Catholic Church but one or both of the spouses are baptized Catholics, please share with them the links below or contact St. Theresa’s Wedding Ministry or the Parish Office to learn more about having the marriage convalidated. Convalidation comes from the Latin word meaning “to strengthen.”
Convalidation: Bringing Your Marriage Into The Church:
Three Things that Make Marriage Valid in the Church: Three things need to be in place for a true (valid) marriage: capacity, consent, and canonical form.
A valid Catholic marriage comes into existence when a man and woman who are capable, give consent to a true marriage, including all the essential properties of marriage, and exchange this consent in the proper form for Catholic weddings. Convalidation is not simply a “blessing” of an existing union. It requires that a new, free act of consent be made.
Consent
—To a lifelong marriage
—To an exclusive marriage
—To a marriage that is open to children
St. Theresa Marriage Prep Handbook:
Thinking Of Getting Married at St. Theresa Church? Congratulations on your engagement and journey towards the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony!
The decision to marry is a joyful moment for you, your families and the Church. We are happy to be a part of this holy moment of celebration. The vocation of Christian marriage, the union of one man and one woman with Jesus Christ, demands a serious commitment. Parish membership by one of the parties, or a parent, is a first consideration. Non-members require a personal conversation and permission of the pastor. The Church desires to do all that it can to assist couples as they prepare to accept the obligations of Christian marriage and to fulfill them faithfully. The Catholic experience of celebrating matrimony vows clearly conveys the Church’s beliefs about the sacrament. In the Catholic Christian faith, marriage is not just a legal contract—marriage is a sacrament, a covenant and sign of God’s love for you and with you throughout the entirety of you married lives.
St. Theresa Wedding Ministry: www.sttheresachurch.org/matrimony
St. Theresa Catholic Church | 465 North Benton Street, Palatine, Illinois 60067 | 847.358.7760