If you are discerning Christian Marriage and wish to inquire about getting married at St. Joseph's or doing marriage prep with one of the priests you have come to the right place. First of all, congratulations to you as you begin this important process!
Couples who plan to marry in St. Joseph's Church are normally members of the parish community (i.e. living within its canonical boundaries and/or registered with the parish and practicing their Faith). Sharing in the life of the parish community is important while they are assisted by its pastoral ministry for engaged couples preparing for marriage.
Participation in the Archdiocesan Pre-Cana Program is required.
Plan also to learn about Natural Family Planning. To go deeper in understanding this wonderful sacrament there are wonderful opportunities. Check out the website of Dr. Christopher West.
The rite of marriage is but one moment, however significant, in the process of a marriage that begins before the rite and deepens and grows thereafter. In preparing couples for marriage, the Church focuses on both the rite and the process. In Catholic belief, Christ is at the center of married love; celebrated in the context of the Church and its faith tradition, marriage is understood as a covenant and an integral part of the journey of faith. So marriage in the Church is approached with great seriousness and deliberation. It is the responsibility of the pastor or other pastoral staff members appointed to help a couple discern their freedom and readiness to take this step.
The Church normally requires a preparation period of at least six months prior to the wedding to explore the couple's readiness, to take care of necessary paperwork, and to ensure that the couple takes the time needed to prepare well. There are several components to the preparation process in the Archdiocese of New York, and we can assist you through every step along the way.
Engaged couples should secure a date for use of the church after talking with one of the priests at St. Joseph to begin this process before making commitments with caterers, reception facilities, etc.
Specific information can be obtained from one of the Priests.