{"id":251,"date":"2025-04-29T19:22:39","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T19:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/?page_id=251"},"modified":"2025-05-02T13:36:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T13:36:15","slug":"marriage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/?page_id=251","title":{"rendered":"Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"251\" class=\"elementor elementor-251\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a28bf5a e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a28bf5a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92a55e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"92a55e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea36464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea36464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Marriage<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2de204e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2de204e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f20861 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7f20861\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48a8bf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"48a8bf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"227\"><strong data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"227\">The Sacrament of Marriage<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"533\">The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant \u2014 not merely a legal contract \u2014 in which a man and woman commit to a lifelong partnership of mutual love, support, and faith. This union mirrors Christ\u2019s spousal love for the Church. Spouses are called to reflect Christ to each other through a love that is:<\/p><ul data-start=\"535\" data-end=\"709\"><li class=\"\" data-start=\"535\" data-end=\"580\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"580\"><strong data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"545\">Free<\/strong> \u2013 freely chosen without coercion<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"620\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"620\"><strong data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"592\">Total<\/strong> \u2013 a complete gift of self<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"663\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"663\"><strong data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"635\">Faithful<\/strong> \u2013 exclusive and committed<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"709\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"709\"><strong data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"678\">Fruitful<\/strong> \u2013 open to the gift of children<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"\" data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"901\">The Church offers both <strong data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"762\">preparation for marriage<\/strong> and ongoing <strong data-start=\"775\" data-end=\"810\">support throughout married life<\/strong>, including resources for couples in difficulty and courses on Natural Fertility Awareness.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-226a1ad e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"226a1ad\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c18395 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"0c18395\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3e2fe9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b3e2fe9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 data-start=\"908\" data-end=\"956\"><strong data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"956\">For Engaged Couples: Marriage Preparation<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"1159\">Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church, and <strong data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1014\">Canon Law<\/strong> requires couples to undertake a formal preparation programme. This ensures a proper understanding of the Sacrament and its lifelong commitments.<\/p><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1304\">St. Edward\u2019s Parish supports the Diocese-endorsed online course run by <strong data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1250\">SmartLoving UK<\/strong><br data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1253\" \/>\ud83c\udf10 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/uk\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1304\">smartloving.org\/uk<\/a><\/p><h4 data-start=\"1306\" data-end=\"1331\"><strong data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1331\">About the Course:<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1824\"><li class=\"\" data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1428\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1428\">Duration: <strong data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1355\">9 weeks<\/strong>, or can be <strong data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1383\">fast-tracked<\/strong> to 4 weeks if needed (e.g. marriage abroad).<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"1429\" data-end=\"1566\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1566\">At completion: A <strong data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1474\">report and certificate<\/strong> is issued to you and\/or your priest, depending on email addresses provided at registration.<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1649\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1649\">Format: Fully <strong data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1593\">online<\/strong>, ideal for couples with busy schedules or living apart.<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1737\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"1737\"><strong data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"1674\">Zoom\/Skype support<\/strong> is available for couples who would benefit from live guidance.<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1824\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1740\" data-end=\"1824\">Approved with the <strong data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1772\">Imprimatur<\/strong>, and accepted internationally by Catholic churches.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"\" data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"2004\">Couples often find that even if they\u2019ve been cohabiting, the course prompts important conversations they\u2019ve never had before \u2014 deepening their relationship in a Catholic context.<\/p><h4 data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2026\"><strong data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2026\">To Register:<\/strong><\/h4><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2027\" data-end=\"2102\">Visit: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/northampton\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2100\">smartloving.org\/northampton<\/a><\/p><ul data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2336\"><li class=\"\" data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2174\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2105\" data-end=\"2174\">Scroll to read\/download the <strong data-start=\"2133\" data-end=\"2172\">Diocesan Marriage Preparation Flier<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2235\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2235\">Click \u201c<strong data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2202\">Engaged Couple<\/strong>\u201d to open the registration form<\/p><\/li><li class=\"\" data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2336\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2238\" data-end=\"2336\">You may also sign up for the optional <strong data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2292\">e-newsletter<\/strong> with tips and resources for your marriage<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2498\">Your priest will also guide you through registration and payment if needed, or you may contact:<br data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2436\" \/>\ud83d\udce7 <a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"mailto:smartloving@talktalk.net\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2498\">smartloving@talktalk.net<\/a><\/p><blockquote data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2624\"><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2624\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2520\">Start early<\/strong>, especially if you are marrying abroad, as Church documentation and paperwork can take time to process.<\/p><\/blockquote>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3300123 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"3300123\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-414753e e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"414753e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73faa5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73faa5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2673\"><strong data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2671\">For Couples Discerning Engagement<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2914\">Before committing to marriage, take time for careful, prayerful discernment. This online course is designed to help couples explore their relationship before formal engagement.<br data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2853\" \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/discern\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2856\" data-end=\"2914\">smartloving.org\/discern<\/a><\/p><h3 data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"2951\"><strong data-start=\"2924\" data-end=\"2949\">Support for Newlyweds<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3187\">The early months of marriage are essential for forming healthy habits and relationship rituals.<br data-start=\"3047\" data-end=\"3050\" \/><strong data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3074\">Newlywed Date Nights<\/strong> offer a guided way to build these foundations.<br data-start=\"3121\" data-end=\"3124\" \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/newlywed\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3127\" data-end=\"3187\">smartloving.org\/newlywed<\/a><\/p><h3 data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3222\"><strong data-start=\"3197\" data-end=\"3220\">Marriage Enrichment<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"3223\" data-end=\"3441\">Even strong marriages need nurturing. This course is for couples seeking to grow together, renew their commitment, and strengthen communication.<br data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3370\" \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/marriage-kit\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3441\">smartloving.org\/marriage-kit<\/a><\/p><h3 data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3484\"><strong data-start=\"3451\" data-end=\"3482\">Natural Fertility Awareness<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"\" data-start=\"3485\" data-end=\"3814\">This course teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method \u2014 a faith-based approach to fertility that honours the dignity of both spouses. It supports both conception and spacing of children, and fosters deeper intimacy.<br data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3695\" \/>\u2705 Included free in the marriage preparation course.<br data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3749\" \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/fertility\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3814\">smartloving.org\/fertility<\/a><\/p><h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3821\" data-end=\"3865\"><strong data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3863\">Support for Marriages in Difficulty<\/strong><\/h2><p class=\"\" data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"4108\">No marriage is beyond hope. The <strong data-start=\"3898\" data-end=\"3914\">BreakThrough<\/strong> course is designed for individual spouses looking for healing and clarity \u2014 even if your partner isn\u2019t ready to engage.<br data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4037\" \/>\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/smartloving.org\/breakthrough\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4040\" data-end=\"4108\">smartloving.org\/breakthrough<\/a><\/p><p class=\"\" data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"4108\">This online programme offers powerful, practical tools to help restore hope and rebuild your marriage, guided by faith in God\u2019s plan for you both.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant \u2014 not merely a legal contract \u2014 in which a man and woman commit to a lifelong partnership of mutual love, support, and faith. This union mirrors Christ\u2019s spousal love for the Church. Spouses are called to reflect Christ to each other through a love that is: Free \u2013 freely chosen without coercion Total \u2013 a complete gift of self Faithful \u2013 exclusive and committed Fruitful \u2013 open to the gift of children The Church offers both preparation for marriage and ongoing support throughout married life, including resources for couples in difficulty and courses on Natural Fertility Awareness. For Engaged Couples: Marriage Preparation Marriage is a Sacrament of the Church, and Canon Law requires couples to undertake a formal preparation programme. This ensures a proper understanding of the Sacrament and its lifelong commitments. St. Edward\u2019s Parish supports the Diocese-endorsed online course run by SmartLoving UK\ud83c\udf10 smartloving.org\/uk About the Course: Duration: 9 weeks, or can be fast-tracked to 4 weeks if needed (e.g. marriage abroad). At completion: A report and certificate is issued to you and\/or your priest, depending on email addresses provided at registration. Format: Fully online, ideal for couples with busy schedules or living apart. Zoom\/Skype support is available for couples who would benefit from live guidance. Approved with the Imprimatur, and accepted internationally by Catholic churches. Couples often find that even if they\u2019ve been cohabiting, the course prompts important conversations they\u2019ve never had before \u2014 deepening their relationship in a Catholic context. To Register: Visit: smartloving.org\/northampton Scroll to read\/download the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Flier Click \u201cEngaged Couple\u201d to open the registration form You may also sign up for the optional e-newsletter with tips and resources for your marriage Your priest will also guide you through registration and payment if needed, or you may contact:\ud83d\udce7 smartloving@talktalk.net \ud83d\udca1 Start early, especially if you are marrying abroad, as Church documentation and paperwork can take time to process. For Couples Discerning Engagement Before committing to marriage, take time for careful, prayerful discernment. This online course is designed to help couples explore their relationship before formal engagement.\ud83d\udd17 smartloving.org\/discern Support for Newlyweds The early months of marriage are essential for forming healthy habits and relationship rituals.Newlywed Date Nights offer a guided way to build these foundations.\ud83d\udd17 smartloving.org\/newlywed Marriage Enrichment Even strong marriages need nurturing. This course is for couples seeking to grow together, renew their commitment, and strengthen communication.\ud83d\udd17 smartloving.org\/marriage-kit Natural Fertility Awareness This course teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method \u2014 a faith-based approach to fertility that honours the dignity of both spouses. It supports both conception and spacing of children, and fosters deeper intimacy.\u2705 Included free in the marriage preparation course.\ud83d\udd17 smartloving.org\/fertility Support for Marriages in Difficulty No marriage is beyond hope. The BreakThrough course is designed for individual spouses looking for healing and clarity \u2014 even if your partner isn\u2019t ready to engage.\ud83d\udd17 smartloving.org\/breakthrough This online programme offers powerful, practical tools to help restore hope and rebuild your marriage, guided by faith in God\u2019s plan for you both.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":381,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-251","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=251"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":310,"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/251\/revisions\/310"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stedwardskettering.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}