Convalidation of Marriage

The word convalidation comes from the Latin word meaning "to firm up" or "to strengthen." 

A convalidation is not simply a renewal of the previous intention to marry, but the creation of a valid marriage in the eyes of God (and of the Catholic Church).

Typically, the marriage was invalid due to lack of form, which means that a Catholic did not observe the canonical form of marriage (consent exchanged before an authorized priest/deacon and two witnesses) and did not receive a dispensation to do so. In other words, the couple was married in a non-Catholic ceremony (e.g., before a justice of the peace, minister, rabbi, etc.) without an exemption from the Catholic Church.  

The Catholic Church ordinarily requires baptized Roman Catholics to marry before a priest or deacon. One of the precepts of the Church is to observe the laws of matrimony, which includes marriage. Unless the couple received a dispensation from an appropriate authority in the Church, Catholics who exchange vows in the presence of ministers from other religions or in front of civil officials (e.g., judges) are not considered validly married in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

Marriage is not a mere civil ceremony, it is a Sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. By receiving the Sacrament of Marriage, you will receive God's actual graces to strengthen your marriage.

Marriage Convalidation Process

Step 1: Contact Your Local Parish. As CFC members, we encourage couples in this situation to also advise their pastoral leader and their Gift of Life (GOL) Coordinator who will initiate and provide any assistance needed.  Note that all discussions are treated as highly confidential.

Step 2: Organize Your Sacramental Records. 

Step 3: Take a Marriage Preparation Class. 

Step 4: Receive the Sacrament of Confession. 

Step 5: Exchange of vows before Catholic clergy with two witnesses (During or outside of Mass)

Can I be a CFC Member but not be married in the Catholic Church?

Yes, but we encourage members to have their  marriages convalidated to be in full communion with the Church (able to receive the Eucharist) and to fully experience all that the Church and the CFC community have to offer.

We encourage all our members to motivate family and friends to convalidate their marriages if in this situation.

Couples for Christ is “one with the Catholic Church” so let us all be witnesses to the beauty of sacramental marriage.