Marriage is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church.  Convalidation is the recognition and validation of a civil marriage by the Roman Catholic Church.  Convalidation makes sacramental that which a civil union makes legal.
 
Often times, couples get married in a civil  marriage outside of the Catholic Church.  The reasons for these unions happening outside of the Church vary widely from couple to couple.  Whatever the reasons, a wedding officiated by the State, or in another faith without the permission of the Church, is not recognized as a  valid marriage by the Roman Catholic Church.
 
In order for one or both of the spouses to regain full communion with the Church and to validate their marriage, couples must go through a convalidation process.  The process involves meeting with a member of the clergy, doing some preparation for the sacrament and planning the ceremony.
 
The process of convalidation reconciles the couple to God and the Church, and affords new graces and life to the couples’ marriage and family.  

The Convalidation Seminar is available for civilly married couples who wish to deepen their marriage commitment to one another and to Christ by becoming married in the eyes of the Church. 
 
The seminar is 1 hour and couples will be provided with information on the process and requirements for getting their marriage convalidated. 
 
This includes:
 
· Records of Baptism
· Affidavits of Freedom to Marry
· Prenuptial Questionnaire
· Prepare and Enrich Inventory
· Sponsor Couples
· Divorce/Annulments
· Planning your Ceremony
 
After completion of all requirements, each spouse renews their commitment to one other and forms a commitment to Christ that establishes them and their marriage in the communion of the Church.