The Sacrament of Marriage
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a sacred and intimate covenant — an equal partnership of life and love between a man and a woman. In this sacrament, your love becomes a grace-filled encounter with God and a path to holiness. Marriage is not simply a legal bond or a social celebration; it is a sacred vocation through which Christ dwells with you, strengthens you, and walks with you each day.
Because of the beauty and depth of this sacrament, preparing for marriage involves far more than planning a wedding day. Here at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, we take seriously — and joyfully — our role in accompanying couples as they prepare for this lifelong commitment. We see it as a privilege to walk with you during this important and grace-filled time.
We look forward to helping you prepare for one of the most wonderful experiences of human life: celebrating your love in marriage and God’s presence in your lives. Your wedding will become part of the long and cherished tradition of marriages celebrated here, each one a visible sign of God’s faithful love.
The Church invites you to invest deeply in your future together through a formal time of preparation and formation. This process is designed to strengthen your relationship, deepen your faith, and help lay a strong spiritual foundation for the years ahead.
Please know of our prayers and support as you begin this beautiful journey toward the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Are You Engaged?
Congratulations! We would be delighted to hear from you as you begin preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. This is a beautiful and joyful season in your lives, and we pray that it will be filled with grace as you prepare not only for your wedding day, but for a lifetime together.
To celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony at Saint Joseph Catholic Church:
-
At least one member of the engaged couple must be a registered parishioner of SJCC prior to scheduling a wedding date.
-
The engaged couple must contact our parish at least six months before the anticipated wedding date. Please complete the form below to start this process.
-
We also encourage you to read our Guidelines for Weddings brochure, which offers helpful information as you begin your marriage preparation journey.
We look forward to walking with you during this sacred and joyful time, and we pray that God richly blesses your engagement and your future marriage.
Want to get Married at SJCC?
We are truly honored and delighted that you have chosen to celebrate your marriage at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Your engagement is a beautiful time of hope and promise, and we are grateful to walk with you as you prepare for this sacred and joyful moment.
The information in this guide is offered to assist you in planning your celebration. The guidelines reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and the pastoral practices of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Please know that these policies exist to protect the sacredness of the sacrament and to help ensure that your celebration is prayerful, joyful, and reverent.
Above all, know of our prayers for you during this special time. May your preparation be filled with grace, and may your marriage be richly blessed for years to come.
Do you need to schedule Marriage Prep (Pre-Cana)?
Pre-Cana Preparation at Saint Joseph Catholic Church is designed to be both meaningful and personal. It takes place in a warm, friendly, and informal setting — often in the home of one of our parish couples. This relaxed environment encourages open conversation, honest reflection, and shared experiences.
SJCC has carefully selected married couples from our parish community to accompany you during this time. These mentor couples have generously offered their time and faith experience to walk with engaged couples over the course of several weeks. Through conversation, prayer, and practical discussion, they will help you reflect on the joys and responsibilities of married life.
This preparation is not a test or a formality, but an opportunity — an opportunity to grow together, to ask important questions, and to build a strong foundation for your life-long covenant. This preparation has a cost of $125.00.
We look forward to supporting you during this special season of preparation.
Strengthening Marriage in Christ
We believe every marriage is a precious gift and a lifelong journey worth investing in. Whether you are engaged, newly married, or have shared many years together, your relationship deserves care, attention, and encouragement.
That is why we have gathered a variety of resources to support couples at every stage of married life. From practical tools and enrichment opportunities to small groups, mentoring, and trusted guidance, these offerings are designed to help you continue growing together in love, faith, and commitment.
No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to support and encourage you as you build a strong, joyful, and Christ-centered marriage.
Have additional questions about pre-Cana (Marriage Prep)? Email Deacon Tom White at whitet@saintjoseph.cc
Have additional questions about scheduling a wedding? Email Karen Cain at caink@saintjoseph.cc