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Contact Us
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Deacon Frank DeSantoDeaconFrankLadyRosary.orgDirector of Family Life Ministries -
Kathy DeSantoKathyDladyrosary.orgDirector of Family Life Ministries
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It is important to realize that Convalidation is not merely a renewal of vows previously exchanged in a civil or non-catholic ceremony. Re-opening the door to a sacramental marriage is a new act of consent by each spouse. This new act of consent is essential to marriage, and the words that the couple expresses are the outward sign of the gift of self that they exchange. Your sacramental marriage celebration may be celebrated within Mass or outside of Mass, depending on the particular situation of the couple. If both are Catholic, it is fitting that the convalidation be celebrated within Mass. If one spouse is not, the convalidation is celebrated outside of Mass. When a deacon leads the liturgy, the wedding is celebrated outside of Mass even when two Catholics marry.
Customarily, since the couple’s married life is a known and public fact and may have been so for many years, a simple celebration in the Chapel, with an invitation to close family and friends may seem more appropriate than a large celebration.
Convalidation, Re-opening the Door to a Sacramental Marriage
Couples, who desire to marry in the Catholic Church after an annulment or civil marriage, begin their Sacrament Preparation after it is determined they are free of impediments (civil or non-Catholic prior marriage).
As soon as it is determined that a civilly married couple is free of all impediments and before a wedding date is set, you will need to: (a.) register as members of the parish (if not a member) and/or (b.) register for the next two-part series on the rights and obligations of marriage via the Wedding Registration Information Form.
- Register as Member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (if not a member)
- Wedding Registration Information Form
Members of the Parish, who are planning to be married at Our Lady of the Rosary or those members of the parish who will be celebrating their sacramental wedding liturgy at a different Catholic Church, should:
- Complete and return a ‘Wedding Information Registration Form’ to the Parish office. This form gives notice to the Church of your intention to be married in the Catholic Church and will pre-register you for the next start of the start of the next two-part series on the Rights and Obligations of Marriage
- The two-part series are offered three times a year and presented by the Pastor, Father Ronald Aubin, begin the Investigative Phase of our Joined in Christ Marriage Preparation Program.
After attending the two-part series, and completing an on-line marital inventory couples meet with Kathy or Deacon Frank DeSanto to determine your readiness to begin the Enrichment phase of your sacramental marriage preparation.
Civilly married couples fulfill the Enrichment Phase by attending (4) Sacramental Marriage Enrichment Workshop offered by the Diocese or; a couple can participate in a Marriage Encounter Weekend or Art of Marriage Retreat; and participate in a financial planning and Natural Family Planning sessions facilitated by a different couple from the Marriage Preparation Team.