Matrimony
"“It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
– Gen. 2:18
MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH
The Sacrament of Matrimony
When you as a Catholic couple exchange vows in the Church, you promise your love to one another before God, family and friends. You become a living sign of Christ's love for His Church — a love that holds nothing back, endures all things, and is open to new life. Your Catholic marriage will be a breathtakingly beautiful calling. ​Marriage is a covenant modeled on the very love that exists within the Trinity: complete, faithful, fruitful, and life giving
The preparation process for Catholic marriage is a wonderful journey and is a gift from our Lord. This preparation is an opportunity to go deeper with your partner, to explore the foundations of a lifelong commitment, and to invite God into the center of your marriage from the very beginning.​
CONTACT
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Nicole DeNeane
Wedding Coordinator
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Holy Spirit Catholic Church
3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy
Johns Island, SC 29455​
YOUR PREPARATION FOR THE JOURNEY
Steps to Prepare for Marriage
Please contact the parish office at least six months before your desired wedding date to begin the process.
1
Contact our Wedding Coordinator
Email Nicole DeNeane about your interest in having your wedding held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. weddings@holyspiritsc.org
2
Clergy Meeting
Meet with a clergy member to complete the necessary paperwork, discuss any impediments to marriage, and schedule your wedding date. This is also a time to get to know your pastor and share your vision for your wedding.
3
Complete the FOCCUS Inventory
Complete the FOCCUS premarital inventory — a research-based tool that helps couples explore key areas of their relationship — and then meet with a priest or deacon to discuss your results in a supportive, confidential setting.
3
Attend Marriage Preparation
Attend an approved marriage preparation retreat or program. These are consistently described by couples as one of the most meaningful experiences of their engagement. Details will be provided at your initial meeting.
4
Meet with the Team
Meet with the team member assisting with your wedding to discuss the order of the ceremony, your chosen Scripture readings, and any special intentions or elements you would like to include.
5
Meet with the Music Minister
Meet with our Music Minister to choose the music for your wedding Mass or ceremony. Music is a central part of the celebration, and our music director is here to help you create something beautiful and meaningful.
ALREADY CIVILLY MARRIED?
Convalidation
If you were married civilly and would like to have your marriage recognized and blessed by the Church, this is called convalidation — sometimes called "having your marriage blessed."
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Convalidation is the church's process to bring your existing marriage fully into the sacramental life of the Church. We would be glad to speak with you about about the process, what it involves, and how to begin.
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Contact the parish at weddings@holyspiritsc.org