The decision to marry is one of the most momentous choices in life. Marriage, a lifelong interpersonal union between a man and a woman, is a most serious and sacred commitment. Through it, husband and wife are called to draw closer to God, to the Church and to each other in a life-giving community of love.  Christ enhances the natural dignity of marriage.  For those who are baptized in Christ, marriage is a sacrament—a living and effective expression of Christ's love for us.

Because the decision to marry is so significant, it demands serious consideration and a fitting preparation. The preparation for marriage begins soon after birth, as we experience the way in which our parents relate to each other and to us.  These powerful lessons from family living teach us about ourselves and how to relate to others.  Lessons from church and school further shape our plans and views toward marriage.  We bring all this preparation with us when we come to the threshold of marriage. 

We, the Church, especially married couples, parents, priests/deacons, and teachers have a grave responsibility toward helping its people to enter into a marriage that gives promise of being grace-filled, happy, and successful. Prompted by an acute awareness of the many pressures exerted on marriage today, the Church holds up to all men and women the ideal of Christian marriage—permanent, exclusive, and open to having children.

Thus, it is in a spirit of deep hope and concern for building and enriching marriages which are characterized by love, faith, maturity, and social responsibility, that this policy has been adopted for the Diocese of Biloxi. 

For more information on scheduling your wedding and reception at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, visit the Wedding Section of our website.