Holy Matrimony
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed Himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word. (Ephesians 5:25-26)
In St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, he speaks of a love that unites man and woman in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony as reflecting the love that unites Christ to His Church. This unity in love is beautifully expressed in the opening words of the Holy Matrimony Rite in the Prayer Book.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony finds its origin in the Creation story in Genesis. The Bible explains how God designed Holy Matrimony and family life to be His key ingredients for building a moral, healthy and stable society. Marriage is the cornerstone. Jesus Christ brought this purpose for Holy Matrimony and family life to fulfillment when at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee He gave Holy Matrimony its full sacramental character. In blessing the marital union He acknowledged something fundamentally good in married life, a good that displays the Covenant plan God has with His people. This good is God’s love expressed in the complementary relationship of the man and the woman.
Holy Matrimony gives to the husband and wife divine grace that will assist their love each other in a way that reflects Christ’s loves His Church; the grace found in this sacrament perfects human love and strengthens family with an indissoluble unity. This love sanctifies them on their way to eternal life.
Weddings are conducted at St. John’s with this in mind. They are conducted for active members of St. John’s, Fort Worth. Those who wish to be married at St. John’s must demonstrate an enthusiasm and commitment for the Christian Faith and have a serious desire to deepen their discipleship and their future life together in Jesus Christ.
The couple must be registered, active and supporting members of St. John’s. Active membership means regular attendance at Sunday worship at St. John’s and involvement in Christian formation.
St. John’s is never available for use or for rent for weddings for non-members.
Your first step is to make an appointment with the Rector. No dates can be published or finalized without his approval. No date is published or finalized until after the second pre-marital session is complete. Pre-marital sessions are designed to help the Rector determine your readiness for a lifelong commitment and sacramental Holy Matrimony. Engagements do not necessarily mean readiness.
Once you look over our Pre-Marital reading list you will see that we require a lot of reading and discussion. The Rector will pull from this list the book(s) he will ask you to read and be prepared to speak from.
As a rule it takes about 6 sessions with the Rector to complete the program. Each session is between 60 and 90minutes. This time will not be rushed and should not be scheduled as back-to-back sessions, but allow a week or so between sessions to do justice with the required reading.
St. John’s recommends TCU Florist, 3131 South University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76109, 817-924-2211, for consultation and flower arrangements. TCU Florist works closely with St. John’s and is aware of our Customery Requirements.
Defense of Marriage is an excellent resource from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Wedding Customary and additional information is located here.
Please contact the Rector for further information.
