Marriage is one of the Sacraments of Service in the Church. In Matrimony, a man and a woman become one flesh and are called to service firstly to each other, then to the family they create, and also to the wider community. In marriage we celebrate lifelong love and commitment that gives us an example of the life-giving and unconditional love God has for each of us. The Grace of the Sacrament helps us to carry out God’s call to witness His love to the world, starting in our own homes.
"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a 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."
-Code of Canon Law 1055
To Prepare for Marriage in Ste. Anne Parish couples:
meet with our pastor,
participate in the parish marriage preparation led by married couples on the parish,
participating in a fertility awareness seminar put on by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface.
Please contact the parish office at least 6 months (up to 1 year ahead recommended) prior to the hoped for wedding date before confirming other bookings.
What does the Marriage Prep Course look like?
During each session we take some time to reflect on the meaning and nature of marriage (using a video series), and participate in small and large group discussions. There’s also time for couples to reflect on each theme together. We also have some at-home studies to help couples deepen their understanding of each other and prepare for a life of great communication, and joy as we live out our vocation of marriage.
" Preparing for a lifelong marriage…
Making such a commitment is a big deal!
When we got engaged, wedding planning felt overwhelming, so many emotions surrounding one single day.
But one thing that never brought up any stress was our peaceful drive to Ste Anne Parish for Marriage Preparation. We looked forward to the opportunities of closeness our conversations would create. It was a time set aside for learning and planning not just for one single wedding day, but rather a lifetime of worshiping the Lord with the person we chose to walk through life with.
Hearing testimonies from the sponsor couples, praying at every single class, having discussions in our small groups, watching videos and all the other material provided was easy to digest, and created a space where we could share our hearts to better understand each other’s needs as soon-to-be spouses. We learned how to deepen our relationship with Christ through marriage preparation, and in turn, with one another."
- Julie & Dakota
Events to strengthen your Marriage:
Marriage Tips from 23 years of experience:
- Be sure to marry someone who holds the same core values and beliefs as you on the big stuff. There will be enough troubles in your married life; don't ignore any red flags that come up before marriage.
- Do not be afraid to surrender in obedience to God all aspects of your marriage. My experience has been that every time we have stepped out in faith and obedience, we have been blessed beyond measure. God's plan is always better than mine.
- I know the saying is "never go to bed angry", but sometimes, please do just go to bed angry! Rather than say something hurtful, take a break, cool down when emotions run high, and come back to it later, calmly, trying to see the situation from God's perspective.
