Marriage

Marriage is a covenant of love made between a man and a women. A covenant is a bond of love different from a contract. A contract exchanges goods and services - when one party doesn't meet their obligations the contract can be broken. But a covenant is an exchange of persons, a mutual self-gift. In covenants, when one party fails to meet their obligations the agreement is not broken. We see this expressed by God's covenants made with us. No matter how many times we have been unfaithful to God, He remains faithful to us and even doubles down on the relationship. 

The covenant of marriage is a mirror of God's everlasting love, and so husband and wife become a living, walking image of God. We describe this kind of love as being free, total, faithful, and fruitful. Free because it cannot be forcibly given or received; total because it must be a gift of our whole life, not just parts of them; faithful because this bond is exclusive and for life, in good times and in bad; and fruitful because love is creative and always seeks to be shared. 

We're Engaged! What's Next?
 Congratulations! You probably have a lot of questions, we'll do our best to answer them.

1. Your first step will be to pray with one another! Start praying for God's help to prepare you to make a free, total, faithful, and fruitful gift of your life to your future spouse!

2. Enroll in our marriage preparation program.

Marriage Preparation provides an opportunity for reflection and discernment on the sacramental and vocational nature of the life-long commitment of marriage. St. Thomas Aquinas' preparation program is designed to ensure that the two of you have discussed both the spiritual and practical aspects of marriage.

 Typically we like to have six-nine months for this preparatory process. To begin this process please reach out to Brenda Neppel as soon as possible. 

3. To reserve St. Thomas Aquinas on your preferred date we must have;

(1) A recent copy of your Baptismal Certificates. For Catholics this is available by calling the parish of your Baptism. For non-Catholics any copy will due, or a special form can be completed to verify Baptism.

 (2) If you have previously been married, a declaration of nullity is required. This is obtained through the annulment process. If you are in need of an annulment please reach out as soon as possible as these take time to acquire.