The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a great gift in the life of the Church and the world.  Marriage is a lifelong bond between a man and a woman which exists for the good of the spouses and for the procreation and education of children.  Because of its unitive and life-giving dimensions, marriage reminds us that spousal love, when lived authentically, shows forth the great love that Christ has for His Church.  Through sacramental marriage, spouses become one another’s helpmates to Heaven.

Overview
In the Sacrament of Marriage, a couple is not only binding themselves, they are also inviting God to be a central part of their life together. Catholics who are able to marry have the right to marry in the Catholic Church.  With that right comes responsibilities which are meant to assure that a person is truly free at every level of his being—body, mind, and soul—to live this reality as God intends:  freely, fully, faithfully, and fruitfully.  Marriage preparation at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church is designed to assure couples of this authentic freedom. 

Preparation
As a church, we rejoice with those preparing for a lifelong commitment to the Sacrament of Marriage.  As a sacrament, marriage is more than a civil bond or contract, because each of those can one day be dismissed.  A sacramental marriage is a covenant, a lifelong commitment bound by the love of God.

Preparation for this great sacrament normally begins at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date.  Please contact the Rectory to schedule an initial interview with one of our priests.  This initial appointment is for adults only; please do not bring any children with you.

In addition, there are several more steps to the Marriage Preparation process. These steps will be outlined in the initial interview.  The goal of each step is to help the engaged couple better comprehend what the Catholic Church understands and teaches about the meaning and commitment of the Sacrament of Matrimony.
 
As the family of God, we rejoice with all couples preparing for marriage!  We pray for them and hope that they will always grow together in God’s love.

Please contact the Rectory office at (310) 833-3541 for more information on the Sacrament of Marriage.

Annulment Process
Assistance is available for those who wish to obtain a declaration of nullity for a marriage that has ended in divorce. Individuals are guided through the annulment process as well as the oversight with the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal; each case is handled with support and confidentiality. Please contact the Rectory Office at (310) 833-3541 for more information on the annulment process.