Holy Matrimony helps husband and wife to help each other to Heaven, and to help their children to Heaven. In fact, “matrimony” means “motherhood”.  Because it is both a beautiful and arduous calling from God, special graces of Jesus Christ are necessary for husband and wife. Thus, a Catholic must marry in the Catholic Church to: (1) receive the graces of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony; (2) have a valid and permanent marriage before God.

“Love does not insist on its on way.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) The chaste preparation of an engaged couple builds their future marriage upon the solid foundation of friendship. “Living together”, on the contrary - with its lust, fornication and contraception - merely uses a fiancé and undermines a marriage before it begins. It is the opposite of real love, which entails daily self-sacrifice. Genuine love requires genuine chastity.

To marry at Historic Saint Patrick or Holy Trinity parish, you must be (or had been) a member. We are not a destination venue for lease. A description of the preparation requisite for a Catholic wedding in the Diocese of Peoria is here. Contact the pastor, Fr. Loftus, at least nine months prior to the planned wedding date.