Convalidation ceremonies are specifically for married couples whose unions are not recognized by the Catholic Church and wish to have their marriage validated. This means that at least one partner must be Catholic and their marriage must meet the Church’s requirements for convalidation.

There are various reasons and circumstances that might lead Catholics to marry outside the Church.  Regardless of these reasons and past circumstances, the Catholic Church invites couples to bring new meaning to their lives by embracing the vocation of marriage and serving as ambassadors of God’s love through the celebration of convalidation of marriage. Convalidation comes from a Latin word meaning “to firm up” or “to strengthen.” It is not a blessing of an existing union or a renewal of promises – it requires a new act of consent by each spouse and it is a celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage, sanctifying the union within the Church.

The Church is committed to supporting couples who wish to enter into a valid Catholic marriage, offering them pastoral and spiritual support as needed. Convalidation of marriage may be celebrated within Mass or outside of Mass, depending on each couple’s particular situation.

When couples seek to validate their marriage in the Church after having attempted marriage outside the Church, they are demonstrating that God is present and actively working in their lives. God wants to lead couples closer to Him and to each other, and sanctifying their union within the Church allows them to fully participate in its sacramental life.

Couples wishing to plan a convalidation ceremony are required to contact the Parish Office at 403-251-3381 to schedule an appointment with a Priest to begin the process.