HOW DO I GET MARRIED IN THE CHURCH?
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is normally celebrated in a Catholic Church by a priest who is permitted to officiate at marriages in a particular location. A deacon may also officiate at weddings in some situations.
NOTE: Clergy offering to officiate at a venue do not legitimately represent the Catholic Church. They cannot validly celebrate Catholic weddings outside of church and often mislead couples who plan so called “destination weddings.”
The first step to arrange a wedding at Christ the Redeemer Parish is always for a couple to speak to a priest at the parish by calling 856-767-0719.
This should be done prior to arranging the reception and other pertinent details. No date can be secured for the wedding until the couple and priest meet and complete the initial paperwork.
Special circumstances, for example if one of the parties is not Catholic or has had a prior bond, should also be discussed with the priest.
Most couples by far enjoy the Pre-Cana process much more than they had anticipated.
HOW DO I GET MY CIVIL MARRIAGE “BLESSED” BY THE CHURCH?
Whenever at least one party is Catholic, in order for a marriage to be valid it must be celebrated as a Sacrament in the Church. A priest or deacon officiates the wedding according to the rites of the Church.
If you are not sure that your marriage is valid or not, you can ask one of our parish clergy.
In the event that your marriage is invalid, the process to “regularize” your marriage is actually quite simple. This can be done with the help of either a priest or a deacon.
For details, speak to a priest at the parish by calling 856-767-0719.
FIND OUT ABOUT ANNULMENTS, AND HOW CAN I SEEK ONE?
A declaration of nullity can be obtained through a simple, documentary process or through a formal, canonical process. A priest can help determine what is applicable in a given situation.
Many are surprised to learn that the administrative cost is typically less than $1,000.00.
Our parish priest can discuss your circumstances confidentially by calling 856-767-0719.
All Church marriages are presumed valid unless it can be proven otherwise. A valid marriage is indissoluble and cannot be annulled. It is valid until the death of one of the parties.
It is possible, by means of a canonical process that considers sworn testimony given by the concerned parties and their witnesses, to attain moral certainty that a marriage between two individuals did not result at the time of the celebration. In such cases, a marriage is declared null—meaning that no marriage ever existed in the first place despite appearances.
If a marriage is declared null, it does not affect the legitimacy of any children that may have been conceived in good faith.
The Tribunal for the Diocese of Camden will assign you an advocate/procurator to assist you through the process.
HOW DO I GET MY CHILD BAPTIZED?
The parents of newborn babies are asked to join us for a preparatory session. This session involves reviewing the necessary paperwork, discussing the obligations of parents and god parents, catechesis on the Sacrament of Baptism, and a review of the ritual.
Simply contact the parish office at 856-767-0719 to make the arrangements and to set the date.
Godparents must be over 16 years old, have received their Confirmation, be in compliance with the marriage laws of the Church and otherwise practicing the faith so as to be a worthy example. In some situations, other Christians can stand as Christian Witness.
HOW DO I BECOME CATHOLIC?
Teens and adults can become Catholic through the RCIA process. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
RCIA progressively introduces individuals to the teachings and customs of the Roman Catholic Church through four stages. These stages allow participants to renew their resolve at various points in the process so as to come to full commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church He established c. 33 A. D..
The first RCIA stage is called INQUIRY. It is a “come and see” period through which individuals can discern whether they are committed to becoming a faithful Catholic.
The second RCIA stage is called either the CATECHUMENATE or CANDIDACY. The difference between the two is only nominal based on if one is unbaptized or already baptized. Catechumens are those seeking baptism. Candidates are those wanting to be received into the full communion of the Church. All will end up as fully initiated Catholics.
The third stage of RCIA is called the period of PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT. This corresponds to Lent and leads up to the Sacraments of Initiation.
The final stage is MYSTAGOGIA. This is essentially the Easter Season. It is a time to begin living as a Catholic having been strengthened by the sacred mysteries (Sacraments). It also begins the process of ongoing formation in the Christian life.
Contact the parish office at 856-767-0719 for further information and to meet the parish RCIA Team.
HOW DO I RECEIVE SACRAMENTS I’VE MISSED ALONG THE WAY?
Parents of young children should contact the Religious Education (RE) office at 856-767-3414 to discuss the process, which may vary depending upon your child’s age and circumstances.
Teens and Adults should make arrangements through the Parish Office at 856-767-0719. Our parish clergy will help to determine the way forward in particular situations. This may involve the RCIA process.