Matrimony
Congratulations! The Saint Bridget community is thrilled that you are preparing for this sacrament and we look forward to walking with you through the formation and preparation process. We want more than anything to help you and your spouse succeed in your vocation and reach heaven.
Three Important Questions
Below are words that will be said during your wedding ceremony. The three questions that follow are the basis of your preparation for marriage:
“Dearly Beloved, you have come together into the house of the Church so that in the presence of the Church's minister, and the community, your intention to enter into Marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special Sacrament He enriches and strengthens those He has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, so they may be faithful to each other forever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions:
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Have you come here to enter Marriage without coercion, freely, and wholeheartedly?
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Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?
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Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God, to bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?"
Starting to Plan
To begin planning for your wedding, please email call our Parish Office at (804) 282-9511.
We will let you know if the date you wish is available. This initial step is simply an availability check so please do not plan your wedding date until the date has been confirmed by the parish priest or deacon who will officiate at your wedding.
Furthermore, we will let you know which parish priest or deacon will officiate at your wedding, after which we ask that you please contact him by email as soon as possible. Please be aware that it takes about six months to prepare for a wedding.
Do We Need to be Saint Bridget Parishioners?
The clergyman will be interested to know if you live within the parish boundaries, if you are registered in the parish, or if you are a parishioner somewhere else but have a connection here (such as family who attend Saint Bridget). He will verify your freedom to be married, your understanding of fidelity to God and one another, and your promise to raise children in the Catholic religion. He will also explore with you any obstacles to the Sacrament of Matrimony, such as being married before.
"Look now with favor on these Your servants joined together in Marriage, who ask to be strengthened by Your blessing. Send down on them the grace of the Holy Spirit and pour Your love into their hearts, that they may remain faithful in the Marriage covenant."