Sacrament of Marriage 

“The love of a man and a woman is made holy in the sacrament of marriage
and becomes the mirror of God’s everlasting love.”  -Rite of Marriage

You're engaged; congratulations!  
What a joyful and exciting time as you prepare to say "Yes" to each other forever before God in marriage.  During this time of preparation, there is more to do than choosing an appropriate setting for the ceremony and photos.

A Catholic wedding is a sacrament and the goal of the Church is to help couples form strong and lasting marriages.  Preparation is required to help equip you in giving your life over to the other and to live happily together for the next 50, 60, however many years you are blessed to have together.

The engaged couple should contact the parish at least NINE MONTHS prior to the desired date of the wedding (and before setting an exact date!). You must speak with the wedding coordinator to determine your eligibility to be married at St. Thomas Aquinas or St. John Church and Student Center and available dates.

****Before contacting the parish to set a wedding date, ****
please read pages 1-8 of our Wedding Liturgy Planning Guide

Your Marriage Preparation will consist of:

• Wedding Workshop
• Meeting with a Mentor Couple at least two times to discuss your FOCCUS results
• Engaged Seminar
• Natural Family Planning

• WE C.A.R.E. is a six hour program for Communication And Relationship Enhancement, offered regularly in the Lansing area. (Recommended)  Click here for the web page regarding marriage preparation and family life:  Diocese of Lansing Family Life Ministry.  (Scroll Down)

For more information, about getting married at

St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John Church & Student Center or the Alumni Chapel*,

please call Denise Zakerski in the office at St. John (517) 337-9778. 


*Alumni Chapel weddings will be wedding ceremonies only-
we will not do a full Mass at the chapel.
A deacon will be assigned.