Marriage is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church. Convalidation is the recognition and validation of a civil marriage by the Roman Catholic Church.  Convalidation makes sacramental that which a civil union makes legal.
 
Often times, couples get married in a civil  marriage outside of the Catholic Church.  The reasons for these unions happening outside of the Church vary widely from couple to couple. Whatever the reasons, a wedding officiated by the State, or in another faith without the permission of the Church, is not recognized as a  valid marriage by the Roman Catholic Church.
 
In order for one or both of the spouses to regain full communion with the Church and to validate their marriage, couples must go through a convalidation process. The process involves meeting with Father, doing some preparation for the sacrament, and planning the ceremony.
 
The process of convalidation reconciles the couple to God and the Church, and affords new graces and life to the couples’ marriage and family.

For more information, please contact Father Tom.