Congratulations on your decision to get married. The Catholic Community
of the University of Chicago wishes to be present to you during this time
of joy. Because this is the most important decision of your life, there
are a number of guidelines that govern marriage in the Church and specifically
here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
These guidelines are based upon the policies of the Archdiocese and the
Code of Canon Law. They are intended to support and enhance your decision
to be married. It is our hope that this guide will help you to better
understand the laws that govern and protect marriage in the Catholic Church.
The vocation of Christian marriage demands a serious commitment. Consequently,
the Church desires to do all that it can so that couples be adequately
prepared to accept the obligations of Christian marriage and to fulfill
them faithfully. We have provided you with a sketch of some basic policies
and procedures that guide marriages in the Catholic Church.
Before you set your date for either Bond Chapel or Rockefeller Memorial
Chapel, you must meet with the Director of Calvert House. This initial
meeting is designed, in part, to make sure that someone will be available
to witness your wedding.
The proper place for Catholic marriages to take place is in a parish
church, where most of the Sacramemts are celebrated. Because of the unique
situation at the University of Chicago, the Archdiocese has set forth
the following policy: "For students or employees of Northwestern
University, The University of Chicago, or the University of Illinois at
Chicago, or for those who have graduated within the past six months from
these universities, marriages may be celebrated in the Sheil Chapel, The
Bond Chapel or Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, or the John Paul II Center,
respectively." (404.3.1)
The formal preparation for marriage generally begins six months before
the date that is set. This preparation includes three meetings with a
priest or deacon. In addition, there is an appropriate marriage preparation
program that the couple will need to fulfill. The Archdiocese of Chicago
sponsors this program.
During these three meetings, we will attend to the necessary papers that
need to be filled out, make decisions about the type of preparation that
will best suit you, and to look at preparing the ceremony itself. Furthermore,
we will also discuss the nature and obligations of marriage as outlined
in Catholic belief and understanding.
This is also a time for us to get to know one another better and attend
to any unique circumstances that might surround your particular marriage.
Unlike the secular culture, which tends to view marriage as an event
between two people, Roman Catholics view marriages as community celebrations.
The celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church takes
place in the midst of the community. For this reason, it is assumed that
you are or will be an active member of the Calvert House community, St.
Thomas the Apostle Parish, or another local parish. If you are a member
of another local parish, you will need to secure the permission of the
pastor of that parish to be married at here.
Calvert House and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish have collaborated on
these guidelines and set forth the policy. If you wish to have a priest
or deacon from St. Thomas celebrate your wedding, you should contact them
as soon as your first meeting is finished at Calvert House.
Another priest or deacon who may be a family member or friend is always
welcome to preside at your wedding. Formal permission must be secured
for Catholic clergy who are not from the Archdiocese of Chicago. This
is to insure that all the necessary laws requirements of the Church and
state are properly followed. Generally, as long as someone is in good
standing there is no problem securing the necessary delegation.
Specific guidelines have been set up for a marriage between a Catholic
and a non-Catholic. The unique circumstances of each couple will be respected
in order to make your wedding reflective of the two of you. Further information
will be discussed in our sessions together.
As you are considering marriage, I invite you to contact me as soon as
possible to begin the preparations for your marriage. I look forward to assisting you in the celebration
of your wedding and laying the foundation for your marriage.
Father Patrick Rugen
Director & Chaplain
