Convalidation 

Catholic Church law ordinarily requires baptized Catholics to Marry in the witness of a Priest or Deacon. Unless they requested and received a “dispensation from canonical form”, Catholics who exchange marriage vows in the presence of only ministers from other religious traditions or authorized civic officials, are not considered validly married in the eyes of the Church. That is, they have not received the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony. As Catholics we believe that the seven sacraments Jesus instituted are integrated and build upon each other. So, if a couple is married but has not conferred the Sacrament of Matrimony upon each other at a Nuptial Mass or ceremony, they are not free to receive the Eucharist or Reconciliation. We want to help you change that.
In technical Church terms, this is known as convalidation of a marriage. Convalidation, commonly referred to as “having a marriage blessed,” is actually much more than a blessing. At a convalidation ceremony, the husband and wife exchange their vows before a priest or deacon, thereby conferring the Sacrament of Matrimony upon each other. If you are married, but not in the Catholic Church, we encourage you to take the step of having your marriage convalidated here at St. Patrick Church. The Lord wants you to receive His love and support through the healing sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

For more information about Convalidations, contact  our Office.