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Marriage

Congratulations on being called to the sacrament of marriage 

Congratulations on being called to the sacrament of marriage and on your decision to marry in the Catholic Church.


We at Sacred Heart are excited to help you prepare for not only a beautiful wedding ceremony, but also a joy-filled life of marriage. Sacred Heart parish requires six months preparation for your “marriage” calling attention to the fact that the preparation is much more important than the planning. We are here to help you learn more about your future spouse, yourself and God (the third member of your marriage).


The focus of marriage preparation is not centered on planning the wedding ceremony. but the ceremony is only for a day, whereas the marriage is for life! The focus is  preparation to live out a life-long  covenant of love in Christ. The further ahead the better, as this allows time for thought,    reflection, and  discernment prior to all the hustle and bustle that arises in the last month or two ahead of the wedding.

 

Sacred Heart utilizes both Catholic Engaged Encounter and an online marriage inventory,  Fully Engaged Marriage Preparation Program.


Please contact the parish office to begin the preparation process.


Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend retreat  based on Catholic teachings and values.  It emphasizes the relationship of the couples in terms of their sacramental commitment.  The weekend retreat is designed to help strengthen your communication skills as well as help you learn much more about each other. For more information and boise.engagedencounter.com/


Please see Bishop Peter Christensen’s letter to engaged couples and the Basic Steps for Marriage Preparation in the Diocese of

Boise here.


For more information see the Diocese of Boise webpage for more information on marriage preparation, enrichment, and validation: https://www.catholicidaho.org/marriage-and-family-life

To start your marriage preparation with Sacred Heart contact the parish office to set an appointment.


Setting the Date and Time

All wedding and rehearsal arrangements need to be made in consultation with the priest/deacon from Sacred Heart who is officiating at your wedding. Do not set a firm date or time without consulting with the priest/deacon first! We will do our best to give you the date and time you prefer, but that will not always be possible. Weddings may be celebrated any day of the week, but are discouraged on Sundays. Weddings on Sundays, major feasts and during Lent involve certain restrictions. Saturday wedding times are 11 am and 1 pm. Friday evening Masses are recommended as another option for couples. Rehearsals are generally held the evening before the wedding.



Other Resources and Reading Materials

  • Catholic Updates (Available at the parish office):
    -Cohabitation Before Marriage
    -Sacrament of Marriage: Sign of Faithful Love
    -Spirituality of Marriage
    -Ten Commandments for "Fighting Fair"
    -Ten Things You Should Discuss Before Marriage
    -How & Why of Natural Family Planning
    -Sacraments: It all Starts with Jesus
    -Preparing for Marriage
    -Helping Our Children Grow in Faith
  • Discerning Marriage by Fr. Michael Sweeney (Available from the parish library)
  • Catholic Engaged Encounter
  • American Catholic Marriage Link
  • For Your Marriage


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