Marriage

When two people pledge lifelong love and fidelity to each other, for better or worse, they usually realize that in certain circumstances this promise may be beyond human strength.

This is why in the Sacrament of Marriage, people of faith ask God's help and blessing to be able to fulfill the promise made. So getting married in the church is not just a fancy dressing up for the wedding day. It is the sealing of a commitment between husband and wife, before God and the parish community. It is a sacrament by which they accept the mission to witness in ordinary life to God who is eternal love, faithful without end. During the marriage blessing, they promise to raise their children to be faithful and helpful people, and ask for God's blessing for their future.

Preparation

In our parish, there is a preparation process of 5 evenings. The first and last evenings are with the relevant deacon or priest and the other three evenings are joint meetings with other married couples preparing for their wedding day. It is important to register on time.

First evening

During this evening the introduction, background, motivation and current status of the marriage will be discussed with the deacon or priest involved. Also, the marriage form will be completed in advance. You will also be asked to write down separately the motivation for why you want to marry each other and then also especially for the Church.

Second evening

This evening there will be an explanation of the various sacraments of our faith and is therefore a joint evening with any other married couples. Baptism, confirmation and Eucharist will receive full attention. After all, marriage does not stand alone but is part of all our sacraments.

Third evening

The sacrament of marriage is the focus of this meeting. Using the structure of the wedding liturgy, an explanation of this sacrament will be given. Also, this evening offers the opportunity to give practical tips on how to make the booklet. In most cases, we assume a wedding celebration in a service of word and prayer.

Fourth evening

An interactive meeting, again together with other married couples. It will discuss marriage as a path of growth. What is needed for a strong married life? What does faith have to do with that. Again we will be asked to make a motto for the marriage.

Fifth evening

This last evening is a very practical evening, based on the booklet we made, we will practice in the church.

Preparation evenings 

The preparation evenings are on Tuesday evenings in the Pastoral Center, at 51 St. George's Avenue and begin at 8.00: 

Noon 2025
Event 1: Oct. 21
Event 2: Nov. 04
Event 3: Nov. 18
Fall 2026
Event 1: Feb. 03
Event 2: March 3
Event 3: March 17

Summer 2026
Event 1: May 26
Evening 2: June 09
Evening 3: June 23

Subscribe

You can sign up by completing the registration form below and emailing it to info@parochiesintjoris.nl

Subscription form: Click here to get the form

Costs

For costs, see the fees page.