What is a Marriage Convalidation?

A Marriage Convalidation takes a civil marriage and brings it into the Church as a Sacrament. “Convalidation” comes from two Latin words and means that a couple is getting married “with validity.” 


Why is a Marriage Convalidation Needed?
Catholics are expected to be married in a Sacramental Marriage. 

There are reasons why being married in the Church is important.  First, peace of mind comes with aligning our wills with God's will, and we can feel joyful when that happens.  Second, a Sacramental marriage is one that only death can dissolve. Each spouse in a Sacramental marriage can help one another towards our goal of eternity in Heaven.  Third, Catholics in a valid, Sacramental marriage can participate fully in the Sacramental life of the Church.  Those Catholics not in valid marriages are not able to receive Holy Eucharist, although they should still attend Mass weekly.  Married Catholics not in valid marriages cannot serve as Godparents in the Catholic Church.

How much does it cost to receive a Marriage Convalidation?
There is no fee.

How long does it take to receive a Marriage Convalidation? 
It depends on how long the couple takes to return the necessary paperwork. Witness forms, baptism records (available at churches where they were baptized as children/adults), and some other paperwork is needed.  For couples married civilly for fewer than 5 years, a Marriage course or retreat would be needed. Programs are available to complete the course/retreat in one day, or over the course of a few Saturday mornings.  There is also an online version that can be taken. 

Generally, it only takes a few hours of effort, including a couple of meetings with a member of the clergy. 

Should someone wait to start the process?
Definitely not.  It is important to keep our souls in a state of grace.  Also, if you are going through the OCIA (formerly RCIA) process, it is critical not to wait to start the Marriage Convalidation process until a few weeks before receiving Sacrament(s). In fact, you will not be able to receive Sacraments through OCIA until after the Convalidation is received.

Due to clergy schedules, and the fact that clergy work with couples on a first-come-first-served basis, your process may not actually begin for several weeks. Depending on your circumstances, you may not receive the Convalidation for several months, so you should start the process as soon as possible. 

What if I'm a Catholic, but I married a non-Catholic in a civil ceremony or other non-Catholic ceremony?
We are able to ask permission from the Diocese for a Catholic (you) to marry a non-Catholic in a Marriage Convalidation ceremony.

What if I'm not a St. Stephen Parishioner?
You must be a registered Parishioner of St. Stephen.  If you are ​registered in another parish, please contact that parish to work towards a Marriage Convalidation.

What is the step to start the process?
If both civilly-married spouses are committed to starting the process, then contact Deacon Mike Sweeney.  Click on his name, email is the best way to contact him. 

Looking ahead, will the couple receive reminders?
The couple will receive a checklist of items necessary when they meet with a member of the clergy, and will always be able to contact that member of the clergy that they are working with.  Once the couple receives the checklist and necessary paperwork, they are trusted to return the items in a timely manner.