Matrimony

The Sacrament of Marriage is a beautiful covenant and mystery, strengthened by God’s love.  God intended the relationship between a man and woman in marriage to mirror the love between Christ and His Church.  Because of the sacredness of this union between husband and wife, Christ provided the Church with many graces that flow from the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, as a means of assisting husbands and wives to love each other with a deep and holy love.

Marriage Preparation:  We encourage you to call us for an initial appointment nine to twelve (9-12) months prior to the date you wish to marry. The first step in Marriage Inquiry will include a meeting with Father Vaughn Winters, our Pastor, or Fr. Jihoon Kim, our Associate Pastor, or meeting with a Deacon or Deacon Couple, completion of the F.O.C.C.U.S. Pre-Marriage Inventory, and completion of a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend (these requirements may vary, based
on your situation). The Marriage Preparation process should be completed in the six (6) months prior to your wedding date.

Marriage: 

Congratulations on your engagement!  We look forward to assisting you in planning your Wedding liturgy, from readings, to music selections, to ethnic traditions.  Please contact Wedding Coordinators Maureen Dunnahoo, or Lori Hanlon at (661) 296-3180 or email mdunnahoo@saintkateriparish-scv.org, or lhanlon@saintkateriparish-scv.org, for available dates & times, and to begin the Marriage Preparation process (please see below for more information).

Convalidation: For persons who are civilly married or have been married in a Christian church, synagogue or mosque, and wish to enter into a Sacramental union in the Catholic Church.

Our hearts are joy-filled by your decision to have your marriage blessed in the Catholic Church.  We are pleased to assist you in planning a liturgy that meets your needs, whether you are interested in having a traditional wedding service or an intimate family gathering.  In addition to the basic paperwork, you will need to provide us with a copy of your marriage license.  Please contact one of our Wedding Coordinators, Maureen Dunnahoo or Lori Hanlon at (661) 296-3180 or email: mdunnahoo@saintkateriparish-scv.org or lhanlon@saintkateriparish-scv.org for available dates & times, and to begin the Marriage Preparation process (please see below for more information).

Marriage Tribunal Ministry:  For persons who have been previously married to a different party, either in the Catholic Church, in a Christian church, synagogue or mosque, or in a civil marriage, and wish to enter into a Sacramental union in the Catholic Church.

The Marriage Tribunal Ministry is one part of the Church’s effort to offer healing and hope to the victims of failed marriages.  The Tribunal investigates these situations to determine whether the parties in certain instances may be free to remarry.  Faithful to Catholic tradition, we believe in the dignity of marriage and the Gospel's prohibition against arbitrary and unwarranted divorce.  At the same time, we live in an imperfect society in which divorce is a common reality.  In accord with Canon Law, all previously married individuals (Catholic or not) have the right to seek clarification of the canonical status of their previous marriage(s).  The Marriage Tribunal Minister
will lovingly walk with you through this process, assisting you with the required paperwork and acting as your liaison with the Metropolitan Marriage Tribunal.  Please contact Carmela (Cookie) Gunther at (661) 803-3674 or or Deacon Terry Irwin at (661) 645-7471 or email: Cookiegun1@aol.com or deaconterry@saintkateriparish-scv.org to inquire about the Marriage Tribunal process.