If you are preparing for marriage, congratulations! Your parish family shares your joy and welcomes you to the sacrament.
The love of God poured out for humanity is sanctified in the sacrament of matrimony when, as we read in Genesis 2:24, "two become one". Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. ~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Arrangements for weddings are to be made at least six months in advance of the wedding date; either the couple or a direct family member of the couple must be a registered member of the parish. If you are planning on getting married, please contact the parish office for information: 515-964-3038 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. She will schedule a meeting between you and our priest. After that initial meeting the full process of marriage preparation will begin.
Further information on the Sacrament of Marriage is available on the Diocese of Des Moines Wedding Page.