Annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass
Overview
“The vocation to marriage is written in the very vocation of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1603)
To pay tribute to the sacred vocation of Marriage, The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge will celebrate the Second Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass for couples marking their 25th, 50th and beyond anniversaries in 2008.
Last year, more than 1,000 people attended two Masses held in Raleigh to mark the milestone anniversaries more than 300 couples were celebrating in 2007.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge noted, “Married love is a gift not just to the couple, but to the entire Church. Because of your love,” the Bishop said, “the Church is enriched and made holier; the community is made holier; the community is made a better place and individuals, who know meet and love you are inspired.”
To make the Anniversary Mass available to more of the faithful of the Diocese, the Bishop will celebrate two Masses. The first will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Raleigh on April 27. The second will be at Saint Paul Church in New Bern on May 4. Both Masses will begin at 2:00 PM. A reception with refreshments will follow. Family members of the couples are invited to attend.
Parishes have been asked to provide the names of couples who plan to attend either event.
Listed below is the parish registration form for the couples and flyers/bulletin inserts to be used to promote the Anniversary Masses. Links are also available to view a gallery and slide show of couples attending the 2007 Anniversary Mass.