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 

To all engaged couples entering this site:  Congratulations!  

On behalf of the clergy, staff and all the members of our parish family, we would like to extend our best wishes and prayers for you during this exciting and blessed time of your lives!  If this is your first step in planning to receive the sacrament of matrimony at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, we ask you to begin by checking out the Marriage Guidelines link on this page.  You will also want to contact our parish office as soon as possible to determine the availability of both the church and the availability of either our pastor or our deacon, Dcn. Reed Hauser, for your ceremony.  The Pre-Cana (or marriage preparation) program must be started 8 months prior to the wedding and involves taking the FOCCUS inventory as well as a series of sessions with other couples and the Family Life Coordinator.