Congratulations on your engagement! We are very excited to share this special time with you as you prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage!

Choosing to be married in the Church is counter-cultural, but not rare. Many couples find that the practical and spiritual support of their parish family helps strengthen their relationship with one another and with God. We hope that you will find this time of preparation to be beneficial, as well.

What does it mean to be married in the Catholic Church, and why is it different from being married in another church or a courtroom? Check out this article and explore the website to learn more!

Couples wishing to be married at Sacred Heart must notify the parish at least 6 months in advance. To set a date and begin the marriage preparation process, please call the rectory at 319-234-4996.

The preparation process will include attending a retreat together as a couple, meeting with the priest at various intervals before your wedding day, and meeting with the wedding coordinator to receive guidance on selecting readings, music, and other needs.

To begin planning your ceremony, you will need to select Scripture passages, intercessions, and music. A preparation checklist, list of Scripture passages, music suggestions, and sample intercessions are accessible on the left-hand side of this page.

If you are looking to have your marriage blessed in the Catholic Church, please call the rectory at 319-234-4996 to set up a meeting with the priest and the date of your blessing. Your marriage will be greatly enriched by taking this step!

Again, we congratulate you and we hope to share your joy with you both soon!

"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."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601