“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament (CCC 1601).

At Jesus the Divine Word, pre-Cana or marriage preparation provides an opportunity for reflection and discernment of the sacramental and vocational nature of the life-long commitment to marriage. The couple must contact Fr. John at least seven months prior to the date of the wedding in order to begin their marriage formation. Couples interested in getting married at Jesus the Divine Word must contact Fr. John for an initial appointment. Couples are strongly advised not to schedule the date of the wedding without first meeting with any priest.

Both the bride and groom should be free to marry in the Church. If either party has been married before, no wedding date can be set until the prior bonds are declared invalid.  Contact Father John at or 410-414-8304 ext. 11 to schedule an appointment, or if there are any concerns.