The Sacrament of Matrimony
We look forward to preparing you for one of the most wonderful experiences of human life: "Celebrating your love in marriage and God's presence in your lives". We want you to know that your wedding will be part of a long tradition of weddings celebrated here. The Church helps you to invest in your marriage through a formal time of preparation and formation.
To celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Louis:
- One or both of the engaged couple must be a registered parishioner for at least one year
- The engaged couple must contact one of the priests or deacons at least six months prior to their expected wedding date by calling the parish office at (410) 531-6040
- Engaged couples must participate in one of three marriage preparation programs where there will be opportunities to enter into conversations regarding important topics such as why marriage matters, why God created marriage, sexuality, and how to have a sacramental marriage
Click here to view our "Guidelines for Weddings" brochure.
The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved His Church. The grace of the sacrament perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1994, Reference: 1661]
"Among the many blessings that God has showered upon us in Christ is the blessing of marriage, a gift bestowed by the Creator from the creation of the human race…
It is a source of blessing to the couple, to their families, and to society and includes the wondrous gift of co-creating human life.
Indeed, as Saint John Paul II never tired of reminding us, the future of humanity depends on marriage and the family."