Preparing for Marriage: A Sacred Journey at Holy Rosary Parish 💍

Marriage is not merely a celebration—it’s a sacred covenant and between two baptized persons, a sacrament, a lifelong journey grounded in love, commitment, and faith. At Holy Rosary Parish in Burlington, we are honoured to walk alongside couples as they prepare for this transformative step, guiding them with pastoral sensitivity, meaningful engagement, and a shared foundation in Christian values.

🕊️ Establishing a Connection with Our Parish

We joyfully witness marriages in which at least one Catholic party has a territorial or meaningful connection to Holy Rosary Parish. This connection can be established by:

• Residing within parish boundaries for at least three months
• Registering with the parish community for a minimum of three months

We believe marriage preparation starts with community—and establishing this tie helps deepen the couple’s spiritual journey.

🤝 The First Step: Meeting with a Priest

Before booking a wedding date, couples are invited to meet face-to-face with the parish priest. This “getting to know you” session helps:

• Build mutual understanding
• Clarify any potential impediments
• Begin discussing expectations and preparation steps, including the completion of a pre-marriage as called Prepare-Enrich
• Even if faith practice has waned, this meeting offers a gentle opportunity to reconnect with the Church. We listen with compassion, meet you where you are, and support your return to a vibrant faith life.

📚 Marriage Preparation Course

All couples marrying in the Catholic Church are required to complete a marriage preparation course. Coordinated by your priest celebrant, this course covers essential topics such as:

• Communication and conflict resolution
• Understanding the sacramental nature of marriage
• Nurturing faith within your relationship

We recommend beginning this journey at least eight months to one year before your wedding date.

💒 A Time of Renewal

Marriage preparation at Holy Rosary isn’t just about planning a ceremony—it’s a time of spiritual growth. We hope this season renews your ties to faith and community, offering you both the tools and blessings to build a loving, lifelong union founded on grace and belief.

Ready to take the next step? Contact our parish office to begin your journey toward marriage in the Catholic Church. We’re here to support you every step of the way—from first introductions to walking down the aisle.

📍 Address: 287 Plains Road East, Burlington, Ontario 📞 Phone: +1 (905) 634-7441 📧 Email: holyrosaryburlington@hamiltondiocese.com

Let this sacred commitment be rooted in faith, love, and enduring hope.