Marriage

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"Marriage: the principal and original self-gift is the unitive, mutual self-gift of the spouses to each other. In their marriage promises, the spouses pledge love and fidelity for as long as they live. The transmission of life is a sublime, concrete realization of this radical self-gift between a man and a woman. The mutual married love of man and woman becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves mankind, because as mutual self-gift, it is at the same time creative self-gift. The unitive and the procreative meanings of marriage are joined because they are two aspects of the same self-giving.”

Sacred Heart wishes to support couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage through prayer and action. For this reason, guidelines have been established for marriage preparation by the Archdiocese of Seattle not to create obstacles, but to increase the opportunity of a lasting, loving marriage.  To be valid, Catholic marriage must take place in the church before a priest or deacon and two witnesses.  To appreciate this special vocation, those who are planning to marry at Sacred Heart must be part of our marriage preparation program. 

Couples should contact the parish office at least six months but no more than one year prior to the intended wedding date.

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Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage preparation classes are offered quarterly beginning in July and follow the guidelines for the Archdiocese of Seattle. There is a FOCCUS pre-inventory, Catechesis and Theology of Marriage, and a Natural Family Planning component.  Couples wishing to get married at Sacred Heart Parish must first contact the parish office or call (425) 454-9536 to request an appointment with Father and a Marriage Preparation Questionnaire