2024 Bishop's Anniversary Blessing Dates

Monmouth/Ocean Counties
Sunday, October 6, 2024 (3PM)
 Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold

Mercer/Burlington Counties
 Sunday, October 27, 2024 (3PM)
 Cathedral of St. Mary, Trenton

Registration is now OPEN! (Opened April 1, 2024)

The Bishop's Anniversary Blessing is an annual Mass and reception to honor all couples celebrating their 1st, 25th or 50th (or more) wedding anniversary. This event takes place on two Sundays in October, one at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Trenton for couples from Mercer and Burlington County parishes, and the other at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold for couples from Ocean and Monmouth County parishes. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required; couples may register online or at their parish. Registration opened on April 1st. Couples must be validly married in the Catholic Church to participate in the Bishop's Anniversary Blessing.

Contact: Belem Perez; [email protected]; 609-403-7133.

Ocean/Monmouth Counties  | REGISTRATION CLOSED  

CLICK ON IMAGE TO REGISTER


 Mercer/Burlington Counties  | October 27 (3PM Mass) 

CLICK ON IMAGE TO REGISTER

For First Anniversary Couples... A Web Page Just for You!

On this page you will find everything you need to celebrate your 1st anniversary in truly meaningful ways. You’ll learn the significance of paper for first wedding anniversary gift-giving, discover creative ideas for establishing your own anniversary traditions and find inspiration and tools for the months and years ahead. So Happy First Anniversary - and enjoy!

For 25th Anniversary Couples... A Web Page Just for You!

Your 25th annivesary deserves a special celebration so we've created a web page just for you. You’ll learn the significance of silver for 25th anniversary celebrations, discover creative new anniversary traditions, receive inspiration and tools for the next 25 years and beyond, and find a special section devoted to Catholic marriage.

Read More...

For 50th Anniversary Couples... A Web Page Just for You!

Here you will find everything you need to celebrate your 50th anniversary in truly meaningful ways. In addition to creative gift ideas specifically for golden anniversary couples, you’ll also find inspiration and tools for the next phase of your marriage, the greatest years of all, and "A Word on Catholic Marriage," a section devoted to the beauty of Catholic marriage in the golden years.

Read More...

The Beauty of Catholic Marriage

Catholic Marriage is unique among other marital relationships because it is a sacrament that makes Christ present in our world. The relationship between husband and wife mirrors the relationship of Jesus Christ for his people.

In the Catholic tradition, husband and wife accept a role in God’s plan for humanity. They are ambassadors of God’s love, and they collaborate with God to keep humanity alive.

The vows exchanged by the couple are a sacred pact through which the spouses embrace each other, and, together, embrace Jesus as their partner. Through their union with Christ they participate in the unbreakable pact between God and humanity: the covenant that was sealed in the death and resurrection of Christ.

“It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true.”
 – Pope Francis

Is My Marriage Recognized in the Church?

Like other couples in your parish or family, you may be wondering if your marriage is fully recognized by the Catholic Church. Catholic Church law ordinarily requires baptized Roman Catholics to marry before a priest or deacon. Unless they received a “dispensation from canonical form,” Catholics who exchange vows in the presence of ministers from other religious traditions or civil officials are not considered validly married in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

Regardless of what happened in the past, the Catholic Church invites you to bring new meaning to your lives by embracing the vocation of marriage and dedicating your family’s mission to sharing God’s love.

If you are civilly married and desire to bring your marriage into the Church, 
the convalidation process makes this possible. To learn how to do this, click here. Then join us next year for the annual Bishop's Anniversary Blessing Mass 
to celebrate your first anniversary of Catholic marriage!