“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601)
The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another in a lifelong union of love and faithfulness. Through this sacrament, husband and wife are called to reflect the faithful and unconditional love that Christ has for His Church.
As couples prepare to enter this holy vocation, the Church accompanies them through prayer, formation, and careful preparation. Because marriage is both a joyful celebration and a lifelong sacramental commitment, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church takes great care in helping couples prepare spiritually and practically for their life together.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church... This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.”
Ephesians 5:25, 32
We rejoice with couples who are discerning and preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony!
Couples wishing to marry at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church should contact the parish office well in advance of their desired wedding date. At least one party must be a baptized Catholic, and both parties must be free to marry according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
Registered and active parishioners should begin the marriage preparation process at least four to six months before the desired wedding date.
Couples who are not currently registered parishioners must first become registered and active members of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for at least six months before beginning marriage preparation.
Please do not finalize a wedding date, venue, or other arrangements until you have met with the parish and your wedding date has been approved.
The first step is to meet with our Pastor, Fr. Sebastian Soosai, who will guide you through the marriage preparation process and determine the requirements for your particular circumstances.
Preparation may include:
Additional documentation or preparation may be required depending on each couple’s circumstances.
Weddings at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church are typically celebrated Monday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., subject to church and clergy availability.
Couples may celebrate their marriage within a Nuptial Mass or, when appropriate, a Wedding Ceremony without Mass. The priest or deacon assisting with your preparation will help determine the appropriate celebration and guide you in planning the liturgy.
Rehearsals are generally scheduled prior to the wedding according to parish and clergy availability.
Catholic couples who were married civilly and would now like to have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church are warmly invited to contact us.
Through a process commonly called convalidation, eligible couples may prepare to enter into a valid sacramental marriage in the Church. Because every situation is unique, please contact the parish office to speak with us about the appropriate next steps.
We are honored to accompany you as you prepare for this beautiful vocation and lifelong covenant.
To begin the marriage preparation process or ask questions about celebrating your wedding at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, please contact the parish office:
Jayna Lua, Parish Secretary JLua@rcchawaii.org
Sr. Madonna Shylla, Receptionist & Office Administrator mshylla@rcchawaii.org
Parish Office: (808) 487-2414 or (808) 487-2415 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We look forward to walking with you as you prepare for a joyful, faithful, and grace-filled marriage.
“Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
Mark 10:9