This is why a man must leave father and mother and cling to his wife and the two become one body.
Matthew 19:5
The Sacrament of Marriage signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity and sanctifies them on their way to eternal life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1661)
Preparing for marriage
Couples planning to get married in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle are required by the Church to set aside some time to prepare. To allow for this a minimum of six months’ notice is required.
All couples will be asked to follow a marriage preparation course, offered by Marriage Care UK. They will usually take place on Saturdays.
Getting married in St Patrick’s and St Alban’s Churches
To receive the sacrament of marriage in our parishes:
- both parties must be free to marry
- one party must be a baptised Catholic
- the Catholic party must live in, or regularly attend Mass, in either church or have a clear connection with the Parish.