“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and 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.”  (CCC#1055)

As Jesus begins his public ministry, his first miracle is performed – at the request of his mother -  during a wedding feast.  The Church attaches great importance to Jesus’ presence at the Wedding at Cana seeing in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that henceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence.  The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and his Church.

The Cathedral of St. Jude follows the guidelines for marriage preparation as established by the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  The diocese requires a minimum of six months preparation from the time of initial interview with the priest/deacon and the date of marriage.  Couples best prepare for marriage by means of regular participation in the general sacramental life of the Church.  Couples should consider participation in the Sunday liturgy, confession, daily prayer, actions of charity, and living out the chaste Christian life to be the groundwork wherein their relationship will mature and blossom.

Those interested in the Sacrament of Matrimony must be registered participating members of a parish.  Members of parishes other than the Cathedral will have to secure written permission, in accord with the Canon Law of the Church,  of the pastor of their home parish to be married at the Cathedral of St. Jude

When two Catholics marry they are required to be married by a priest  within the Catholic Church in the context of Holy Mass.  A Catholic desiring to marry a non-Catholic must apply for permission from the Diocese of St. Petersburg Marriage Tribunal and are married in a wedding ceremony (no Mass) in a Catholic church

Any Catholic entering into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony should be fully initiated, having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

For further information on weddings at the Cathedral of  St. Jude or to begin the process of marriage preparation please contact Carol Fox,   347-6229.