If you are reading this, you are either curious about weddings at St. Joan of Arc Parish, or are hoping to have your wedding celebrated here. In either case, thank you for your consideration.
If you are in the latter category, it is my hope that this wedding booklet will help facilitate your planning and deepen your understanding of Matrimony as a sacrament of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1601) states:
“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.” “From a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive; furthermore, in a Christian marriage the spouses are strengthened and, as it were, consecrated for the duties and the dignity of their state by a special sacrament.” The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself. From their covenant arises “an institution, confirmed by the divine law,...even in the eyes of society.” The covenant between the spouses is integrated into God’s covenant with man: “Authentic married love is caught up into divine love. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601, 1638-1639)
One of the ancient definitions of a sacrament is, a visible sign of an invisible race. To interpret matrimony through this definition reveals the awesome character of marriage and the tremendous responsibility of spouses, who are called to make visible to the world the invisible and unconditional love of the Holy Trinity. As you embrace this noble vocation, you bestow and indispensable gift to all those who search for yet another glimpse of the face of God. For this, we thank you.
It is my hope that as you prepare for your wedding day in the months ahead, your love for God and each other will grow ever stronger to become that sacrament which the world so desperately needs. Be assure that I, and the staff of our parish, are available to assist you however possible in the preparation of your Christian marriage.
Sincerely,
(Reverend) Gabriel B. Baltes, O.S.B., Pastor
Engaged couples are asked to call the Parish Office at 630-353-4514 to request a wedding at St. Joan of Arc Parish, or to complete an online inquiry form.
Either the bride or groom must be a registered and participating SJA parishioner for at least three months prior to the couple requesting a wedding at St. Joan of Arc Parish. Graduates of St. Joan of Arc School may also be married at our parish.
At the initial meeting with one of the priests of the parish, a tentative date and time for the wedding may usually be set. Diocesan policy requires that there be an interval of at least six months between this initial meeting and the wedding liturgy. Please note that only a tentative date can be set until requirements are met, and approval, if needed, is given by the diocese.
No other wedding plans (i.e., reserving a hall, arrangements with photographer, etc.) should be made before the initial meeting with the priest.