Convalidation

Marriage is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church.  Convalidation is the recognition and validation of the civil marriage of a Catholic by the Roman Catholic Church. It is when a couple, married outside the Church, wishes to bring their union in line with the Church and return to reception of the sacraments.  Convalidation makes valid and potentially sacramental that which a civil union only makes legal. A marriage is only sacramental if both parthers are baptized Catholics or become Catholic after the marriage.
 
Oftentimes, 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. The Catholic who is married outside the church removes themselves from reception from the sacraments.
 
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 marriage preparation process.  The process involves meeting with a member of the clergy, completing 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 Consultation 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 Consultation is 1 hour and couples will be provided with information on the process and requirements for getting their marriage convalidated which can take 6 months to 2 years plus if an annulment is needed. 
 
This includes:
 
· Records of Baptism
· Affidavits of Freedom to Marry
· Prenuptial Questionnaire
· Prepare and Enrich Inventory
· Sponsor Couples
· Divorce- Annulments or Lack of Canonical Form
· Planning your Ceremony
 
After completion of all requirements, each spouse vows in accordance with church teaching that they freely and fully commit, faithfully honor the spouse foresaking all others, and are open to fruitfulness of their marriage.  This forms a commitment to Christ that establishes them and their marriage in communion with the Church.   It is a marriage rite and not simply a renewal of vows.