Matrimony
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601)
Preparation For Marriage
Married couples, in virtue of their Sacrament of Matrimony, express and share in the mystery of marital love that exists between Christ and the Church. Through your preparation and entering into this holy vocation as married persons, you are a symbol of unconditional love and intimate communion between Jesus (the Groom) and the Church (His bride).
To witness the love of a man and woman made holy in the Sacrament of Matrimony is to see the love between Christ and His Church. Marriage fills us with great joy and gratitude. That is why we take the preparation and celebration of this sacrament seriously.
As you consider the possibility of celebrating your wedding at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, you will want to consider these guidelines:
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Engaged couples planning to be married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church may contact one of the priests at least SIX MONTHS in advance. (To ensure a particular date, at least a year in advance of their preferred date is advised)
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Couples are asked to bring their sacramental certificates (Baptism, Communion, Confirmation) to their first meeting with the priest. If they are missing any sacraments, we ask that you notify the priest during your first meeting to get next steps.
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Marriage preparation requires the couple to take an in-person or online Pre-Cana course. The Catholic Pre-Cana Course is designed to help engaged couples prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. Through discussion and reflection, couples explore important topics such as faith, communication, commitment, family life, and the lifelong vocation of marriage. It is an opportunity to grow together and build a strong foundation centered on God’s love. (You can visit www.bqfaith.org for more information)
If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment with a priest, you are welcome to call us at 718-236-8300 during office hours.
Annulments
Often individuals are not fully participating in the life of the church because of divorce and remarriage. Others, civilly divorced, have questions regarding the previous marriage. Any of the parish priests would be happy to meet with you to discuss the status and possibilities of these situations.
St. Paul said: "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church. . . .
This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church."
--Ephesians 5:25, 32