Diocese to offer its first convalidation ceremony

Ceremony will be held Nov. 29 at the Cathedral with Bishop Mark O'Connell presiding

“Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married …”

Some younger readers may not recognize that line from a song, “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups, after all, it debuted in 1964. However, even younger readers can relate to the dream of having a church wedding, especially if they were raised in the Catholic faith.

But what happens when the lovebirds don’t get to the chapel for that wedding? When two Catholics marry outside the Church without a dispensation, the marriage is not valid. Other situations, such as when one spouse is not Catholic, can be different, so couples should talk with their pastor to understand what applies to them.

Fortunately, and for the first time in our Albany Diocese, Bishop Mark O’Connell is offering a communal convalidation ceremony for couples who wish to celebrate their consent before the Church and enter into a true sacramental marriage. Bishop Mark had performed these ceremonies several times as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Boston. Convalidation is not the Church “enhancing” a civil marriage, but the joyful moment when a couple gives their consent in the form the Church asks, and their sacramental marriage comes into being.

A sacramental marriage brings new meaning to wedding vows and helps a couple keep their commitment to God, to each other and to their family. A long, happy marriage represents a lifetime of love and sacrifice, living together through the joys and overcoming the inevitable heartaches to come. God’s strength and presence in our lives inspires us to spread His love to others in our midst. Keeping Jesus close to our hearts and minds ensures we have the peace, hope and grace to keep the perfect balance of spirituality in our soul. And the wedding bells will continue to ring, long after the bride and groom share their kiss at the altar.

Why not add the spiritual heart of the Church to your marriage and let God make it a sacrament?

While this communal celebration is a wonderful opportunity, couples may also have their convalidation individually at their own parish. Speaking with your pastor is always the first step since he will help determine readiness and guide the process.

The convalidation ceremony will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Albany. Bishop Mark will preside. Family and friends of couples are also invited.

Lisa Petrocelli is the secretary for the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.