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St. Joseph Catholic Church

1875 S C R 700 W
North Vernon, IN 47265

Rev. Jonathan P. Meyer, Administrator

Office Hours:

Monday Office closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM till 12:30 PM

St. Joseph Rectory Phone: 812-346-4783
Fax: 812-352-9033

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What is the Statement of Intentions verse the Consent and Vows that are made at a Wedding?

The Statement of Intention is where the couple states what they are promising. The Vow is when they actually promise to partake in the intention. Here is the Statement of Intentions: (Timmy) and (Susie), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? We have. This question ensures there are no external pressures that are placed upon the couple. They are not entering into an arranged marriage, or being married due to a pregnancy, finances or a controlling relationship. They are FREELY entering into this sacrament. It is their choice and their decision. A man and a woman become a symbol of God’s love in marriage, and God never forces Himself upon us; He freely invites us. We hopefully say “yes.” Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives? We will. This question inquires about the couple’s desire to be FAITHFUL. Do they plan on entering a relationship that will not end- this side of heaven? It will be a bond that will not be broken by anything except death. This will require forgiveness, mercy and a lot of trust. It demands honest communication and understanding! A man and a woman become a symbol of God’s love in marriage, and God is ever faithful. He is always faithful and invites us to be faithful as well. Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church? We will. This question is about the 2nd end/good of marriage- procreation. Married love involves sexual intimacy which is designed by God to bring forth human life. Men and women are called to be FRUITFUL. A couple who is not open to life cannot be married; their marriage would be lifeless, and thus not a symbol of God’s love for His people. Now, there are times when a couple may not be blessed with children or they might be past childbearing years, but nonetheless they are to be open to life-whether it be through adoption or through the charity they show others. Prohibiting life through artificial contraception or killing life through abortion is not a part of God’s plan for married love. And, here are the Vows: (Timmy), do you take (Susie) to be your wife? Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and honor her all the days of your life? -or- (Timmy), do you take (Susie) for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part? The Vows are when the couple enters into the covenant of God’s love. It is the vows/consent that “make” the marriage. The intentions clarify their desires, the vows actually put it into action. I often refer to the “3-F’s” of marriage: Freedom, Faithful and Fruitful. These three words that start with “F” are essential to our understanding of Marriage. They are also essential in understanding how God loves us: ~God’s Love- Freedom- God never forces us to love Him. Faithful- God is faithful to us even when we are not. Fruitful-God changes us, forms us; if we are open. ~Married Love and it’s opposite- Freedom- RAPE Faithful- ADULTRY Fruitful- BIRTH CONTROL- ABORTION