Congratulations on your engagement!
You have reached a point in your lives where you wish to commit yourselves to each other before God in the sacred bond of Matrimony. St. Bernard Parish looks forward to helping you prepare for your marriage and plan your wedding. Please contact our Pastoral Associate, Barbara Yoder at 513-353-4207 x 5, to discuss your next steps and any questions you may have.
The Catholic Church values Marriage in general and the Sacrament of Matrimony in particular so much that it has enacted many laws to protect this divinely-established union of husband and wife. Since the New Testament takes marriage and divorce so seriously (e.g., Matthew 19:3-12), the preparations for receiving the sacrament designed to assist in a long successful marriage.
Both parties in a proposed marriage must be free to marry (i.e., not preciously married, or if previously married must have a declaration of nullity issued by the Church tribunal), must be able to assume the obligations of marriage, must intend permanence and fidelity and openness to having children.
At St. Bernard Parish, Please contact the Pastoral Associate at the parish at least six months in advance of your desired wedding date. Your information will be taken. You will then be given further instructions on how to proceed.
After an initial interview with clergy, a date can be set, and sacramental preparation will begin. Each couple comes to this sacrament uniquely, and their preparation will reflect their strengths and weaknesses. Couples can expect to participate in a marriage inventory survey, a marriage workshop and other meetings designed to assist them in preparation.
Weddings may take place on Friday evening at 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00pm, or on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.only.