Marriage

If you’re interested in having a wedding at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Please contact the parish office at (703) 433-6770.

Jesus said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one. Thus they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, let no man separate what God has joined.”

(Matthew 19:4-6)

Marriage is the sacrament by which Christ unites a Christian man and women in a life-long union, making them two in one flesh. In entering the marriage, the man and woman and God enter into a covenant whereby they pledge their mutual and total commitment to each other. Marriage is life lasting and indissoluble.

Marriage at Our Lady of Hope

In accord with the regulations of the Bishop of Arlington, couples must contact a priest and begin preparation at least six months prior to the wedding.  Parish registration and active participation for a minimum of three months is required before preparation may begin.

Non-Parishioners Marrying at Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope is happy to welcome couples from outside our parish. However, our parish priests are not available to prepare additional couples or celebrate the weddings for non-parishioner couples. Please contact your home parish to begin marriage preparation and arrange for a celebrant to come to our parish.

Convalidations

If you as a Catholic have married outside the Church and now wish to have your marriage is recognized by the Church, we want to help. This is often referred to as having your marriage “blessed.” However, it is much ore than just a blessing. Convalidation is not merely a renewal of promises made previously, but the creation of a valid marriage which gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love of Christ, strengthens their union, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. (cf. CCC 1661.) Please follow the link below to begin the convalidation process.