Marriage at St. Anthony's

Congratulation's on your decision to get married! For Catholics, marriage is a sacrament of God, because God in His grace uses the love of the married couple as a vehicle of blessing for the whole world! Your wedding is a blessing for the whole world!

That's sort of an awesome responsibility. It is God's goodness that will keep you together, but marriage does require some preparation.

To get married at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Angola (or at St. Paul's Catholic Chapel in Clear Lake), the first thing to do is to contact the parish office at least six months in advance. One of the priests or deacons at the parish can guide you from there.

In cooperation with the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and in fulfillment of civil law for the State of Indiana and for Steuben County, the parish of St. Anthony of Padua asks couples preparing for marriage to participate in a preparation program with the following parts:

1. An initial meeting with a priest or deacon assigned to the parish
2. The filling out of the Marriage Registration Form of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
3. The completion of a Pre-Marital Inventory
4. A series of meetings with our Marriage Preparation Couples
5. A weekend retreat offered by the diocese (required by the diocese)
6. Further planning meetings, as required
   
7. Completion of legal forms, such as the County Marriage License, etc.

Although this might seem like a lot to ask, you will find that the process flows rather smoothly. The focus is always on your life together, more than just on your wedding day.

Here are a few other resources to get you started with your preparations, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: