Marriage

Marriage preparation within the Catholic Church is aimed at helping the two of you establish a healthy and happy marriage that is rooted upon and in Christ. As Christ teaches in John, chapter 10, "I came that they may have life and have life to full," so marriage preparation seeks to dispose the bride and the groom to receive not only each other in the Sacrament of Marriage but to receive the grace God gives to bring this life - your marriage - to the full.   
 

Weddings at Our Lady of Mercy

Before scheduling a date, you need to call the parish office to discuss the possiblity of having your wedding celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy. Current parishioners and family members of current parishioners are eligibile to celebrate their wedding at Mercy. Non-parishioners should make an initial inquiry as to the possibility of scheduling their wedding.
 

For marriage inquiries please call the parish office 301-365-1415.




 

For Your Marriage A website with helpful and interactive tools and resources for both engaged couples and married couples to enrich their relationship; from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops www.foryourmarriage.org, or www.adw.org for other marriage resources.

Natural Family Planning- Natural Family Planning is NOT the “rhythm method,” or some other questionable method for spacing the birth of children. When used correctly, it is 99% effective. It is totally natural, respecting the way you were made by God. It is 100% organic, not polluting a woman’s body with a variety of artificial hormones, seeking to suppress key components of her gifts as a woman. The Catholic Church supports the methods of Natural Family Planning (NFP) because she respects God’s design for married love. In fact, NFP represents the only authentic approach to family planning available to husbands and wives because these methods can be used to both attempt or avoid pregnancy. To learn more information: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/what-natural-family-planning

A Lifeline for Marriage – Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. Couples have the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way. Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples experiencing marital difficulty. For confidential information about or to register for a program, contact 301-468-6764 or 410-647-0350,TomnCarol@comcast.netTomnCarol@comcast.net or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com. 

Marriage and Family Counseling 
All marriages go through ups and downs. Many couples have found help for their marriages and personal growth through counseling. If you are in need of assistance please contact a Catholic counselor for support or call the Office of Family Life at 301-853-4546.

Jubilarian Celebration
Each June the archdiocesan Office of Family Life celebrates marriage through a Jubilarian Mass for couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or 50 years of marriage. Couples register a couple of months in advance through their parishes.