Marriage
Lifelong covenant relationships are very special. Preparing to be married is a time of great joy. The Cathedral joins in your celebration and preparations. This is a time of the I and the You become the We. This means seeing the world with a new perspective and choosing to live in a different way... living as one in the Covenant of Marriage. To be married in the Church is not about setting up new living arrangements, but means that becoming a different person from the one you’ve been all your life - no longer just you but together as one with your spouse.
When you ask to be married at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the church becomes part of your preparation for a new kind of being. The whole church will celebrate your union with one another and together we will all ask God to bless it. The ritual of joining hands, taking vows, making a covenant, giving and receiving rings, are all witnessed by the congregation. In doing so, all present will share in your marriage, in the joy of the occasion, as well as vow to support your commitment to each other and your new way of being.
If you are not a member of St. Paul's and you are seeking a church home we encourage you to contact a member of our clergy staff to learn how to begin the process becoming a member of St. Paul's.
Couples married at St. Paul's are expected to participate in the activities listed below.
- Attending worship services regularly. Marriage is a sacrament representing Christ's union of love. You are called to take your place in the Body of Christ by faithfully offering your heart and voice in expressing the love of God.
- Growing through Christian education. If you are new to St. Paul's and the Episcopal Church, or have not yet been baptized, you are expected to participate in Inquirer's Class and/or Confirmation Class so that you may make a mature commitment of faith as you take the significant spiritual step of entering into Holy Matrimony.
- Seeking outreach and ministry opportunities. At St. Paul's there are many ways that you as a couple can share in the work and ministry of Christ in the world. Numerous outreach ministries will deepen your love of neighbor and of self.
- Express the worth-ship of God through stewardship. As you integrate your life into this community of faith you will be called upon to offer your time, energy and financial resources for the vitality, beauty and work of this place. Learning the holy art of giving freely will serve you throughout your married life.
- Finding fellowship in cathedral life. Your marriage does not thrive in isolation, rather many people gather to bear witness and share in the support of the vows you make. There are many ways of building friendships and having fun with your family of faith.
For more information or to set up an appointment please contact the office at 235-3436.
