Marriage
What is Marriage?
Marriage, as instituted by God, is the faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman joined in an intimate community of life and love. They commit themselves completely to each other and to the responsibility of bringing children into the world and caring for them.
Getting Married in the Cathedral … What you need to do:
Firstly, you should contact one of the Parish Priests on 023 9282 6170 to arrange a meeting to discuss your wedding. At this meeting we will start to gather the necessary paperwork, such as your Baptism Certificates, and set a firm date for your wedding (for which we will ask for a non-returnable deposit).
After that, you are required to attend a Marriage Care Course run by members of the Portsmouth Centre of Catholic Marriage Care, some of whom are trained counsellors and all of whom are married. You will need to contact the Director, David Chiswell to arrange this. (Mr David Chiswell, Marriage care – Portsmouth, 32 Mill Road, Denmead, Hampshire, PO7 6PA.)
Next, you are required to attend a service in the Cathedral to have your Engagement Rings Blessed. This is usually done during the 10:00 Mass on a Sunday. After this service you will meet one of the Parish Priests, members of the Cana Path Group and be given information about the readings and music for your wedding.
Some time later you will come to the Cathedral where you will meet the organists and members of the Cana Path Group to discuss the liturgy, readings and music for your wedding.
At least 2 months before your wedding you will have a meeting with one of the Parish Priests to finalise the Liturgy / Music, complete any necessary paperwork, settle any expenses and to arrange the date of your wedding rehearsal.
Further information can be obtained by calling the Cathedral Office on 023 9282 6170.