Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. ~from theUnited States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español
Getting Married
Your married life begins by the solemn exchange of marital consent in the sacred liturgy of your wedding. The wedding is above all else an act of worship, a public celebration of one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. For this reason, we need to take care to ensure that the sacred liturgy is celebrated according to the Church and its liturgical law. Only Roman Catholic ceremonies are celebrated at St. Anastasia and St. Dismas churches.
If you feel that the Lord has called you to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and you and your intended are ready to make plans for the sacramental celebration, please call the Parish Office to meet with a priest to reserve your preferred date before booking your reception. Due to the busyness of the parish activities and celebrations, please allow at least one year to plan for this special day in your lives.
To reserve a date for a wedding at either St. Anastasia or St. Dismas, either the bride or the groom must be Catholic and active parishioner of this parish for at least four months before scheduling a wedding date. An active parishioner is defined as someone who regularly attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and supports the parish using the contribution envelope or online giving platform.
INITIAL MEETING - 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR MINIMUM At your initial meeting, the Priest will discuss with you the requirements for your marriage to occur in the Catholic Church. Also, you will be given the flyer containing information that the Archdiocese of Chicago requires of all couples. At this time, the date can be entered into the parish calendar, deposit due to hold the date, time and church. Please complete the Bride/Groom Information form.
PARTICIPATE IN MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM - 4-6 months Register and attend PreCana as early as possible. Please visit the Archdiocese of Chicago's website for most up-to-date PreCana sessions offered online or in-person. A certificate will be provided upon completion of the session.
GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - 2-6 months
PRENUPTIAL QUESTIONNAIRE - Each bride and groom are interviewed by the priest or deacon.
WITNESS AFFIDAVITS - 2 for each bride and groom. These are filled out by the priest or deacon interviewing people who have known you well from at least the age of fifteen. These are statements from people who can testify as to your proper disposition and readiness for marriage.
BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATES - newly issued and dated within six months of the date you are to be married. Catholics should contact their church of baptism and inform them of your date of marriage and request to issue a baptism certificate and have it sent to the parish office at 2600 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60087, Attn: Parish Secretary. Photocopies of originals cannot be accepted for Catholics. Non-Catholic Christians need to supply a record of baptism.
MEET WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR OR MUSICIAN - 2-3 MONTHS Our musicians at St. Dismas and St. Anastasia would be more than happy to meet with you and select the music for your special day. You may also contact the musician/choir of your choice as long as they are knowledgeable in the liturgy.
OBTAIN MARRIAGE LICENSE - 1 WEEK TO 2 MONTHS Visit the Clerk of Lake County in person to apply for a marriage certificate. For more detail and information, visit the Lake County Clerk's official website.
OTHER - 1-4 WEEKS Bring Marriage License and Parish fees due to Parish Office.