Your love brought you together, but there’s a grace that only God can give—a grace that transforms your union into a sacred bond, reflecting His eternal love. By celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church, you invite Christ to be at the heart of your marriage, strengthening your love and guiding you both on the journey to holiness. It’s never too late to take this step of faith! Let’s celebrate the love God has planned for you.  

Why Choose a Sacramental Marriage? 

• Experience God’s Grace: Receive the spiritual strength to grow in love, face challenges, and live out your vocation together. 

• Strengthen Your Family: Build a foundation centered on faith, hope, and love for your home and future generations. 

• Witness God’s Love: Let your marriage be a light to others, showing the beauty of a life lived with Christ. 

As part of the Diocesan Pastoral Renewal in this 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, all civilly married couples are warmly invited to celebrate of the Sacrament of Matrimony, presided over by Bishop William T. McGrattan on Saturday, September. 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm, at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Your marriage is a Gift - Make it a Sacrament. 

Thank you for participating in the 2025 Info Sessions for Sacred Grace!

We're no longer accepting applications

If there is further interest among civilly married couples to be married in the Church, we encourage you to connect with your Pastor in the parish where you are registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sacramental Marriage? 

• A sacramental marriage is a union between two baptized Christians, recognize by the Catholic Church as valid and sacred. This covenant reflects Christ’s love for the Church and serves as a source of grace, joy, and strength for the couple. For baptized Catholics, marriage is ordinarily required to take place in a Catholic church or sacred space, with a priest or deacon officiating. While civil marriages are legally valid, they lack this sacred dimension unless celebrated within the Church. 

Is the Church Wedding the same as “blessing” the marriage? 

• No, it is much more than a blessing. During the Church Wedding, you and your spouse will exchange vows prescribed by the Church, establishing a true sacramental marriage. 

What will happen at the Church Wedding? 

• You and your family are invited to a small reception after the celebration. The Diocese will also provide photographers, choir, decorations, and all necessary arrangement to make your celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony a true grace-filled experience.  

How many couples will participate? 

• Due to space limitations at St. Mary’s Cathedral, participation is limited to 30 couples.  

What is the process of preparation?  
The preparation process includes: 

• Attending an Info Session to meet with a deacon couple for guidance. 
• Submitting the necessary documents (e.g., baptismal certificates, marriage certificate). 
• Participating in a marriage formation session. 
• Attending a rehearsal before the Church Wedding. 

Can we celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at our home parish? 

• Yes. If you prefer, we will assist you in arranging for the Sacrament of Matrimony to be celebrated by your parish priest or deacon at your home parish. 

Can a marriage with a non-Catholic Christian be recognized as sacramental? 

• Yes, with the proper paperwork and permission for a mixed marriage. As long as both individuals are baptized Christians, the marriage can be celebrated as a sacramental union. 

Can someone who has remarried civilly participate? 

• This depends on individual circumstances. If there was a prior marriage, it must be examined through the tribunal process to determine its validity. If the previous marriage is declared invalid, you may proceed. Contact your parish priest or attend an Info Session for guidance. 

Is there a cost to participate?  

• There is no cost for the preparation process. For those participating in the Church Wedding on September 13, a minimal suggested fee may apply to help cover incidental event costs.  

“It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.”

Pope Francis

If you have any questions, please contact our program coordinator for Sacred Grace: 

Deacon Greg Barcelon
​Email: [email protected]
Phone: ​(403) 228-4170

The primary purpose of marriage is not to make husband and wife happy, but to make them holy. It is a vocation, a way of sanctity, a means of growing in virtue and helping each other on the path to heaven."  ​~Venerable Fulton Sheen

The primary purpose of marriage is not to make husband and wife happy, but to make them holy. It is a vocation, a way of sanctity, a means of growing in virtue and helping each other on the path to heaven.
​~Venerable Fulton Sheen