Sights & Sounds: Parish helps 8 couples to marry on Valentine’s Day

A Newark parish community came together to help eight couples exchange vows at St. James Church on Valentine’s Day.

The couples—who are from Brazil and primarily speak Portuguese—faced challenges completing the paperwork and marriage preparation courses required for a Catholic wedding. Recognizing the need, Father Azizi Manuel Tempesta, C.Ss.R., the parish’s pastor, arranged for all documents to be translated into Portuguese and assisted the couples in submitting them.

Bilingual parishioners also volunteered to lead Portuguese-language marriage preparation courses to ensure the couples could fully participate.

Using time and talents to help those in need

Once the couples had completed all requirements, they were treated to a wedding day supported entirely by the parish community. The Music Ministry provided liturgical songs, the Communications Ministry captured photos, and the Welcome Ministry greeted guests.

Afterward, the Marriage Ministry hosted a reception lunch in the church hall for the newlyweds and their loved ones, along with the many parishioners who supported them.

“It was a dream-come-true to see my parishioners united like this,” said Father Tempesta, who estimated that around 500 people attended the wedding. “They used their time and talents to help people in need—that’s the mission of the Church. And now, their generosity can inspire others to go out and spread hope and love like Christians are called to do.”

Moving forward, St. James’ community intends to continue helping Portuguese-speaking couples through the marriage preparation process.

You can view more photos of the wedding day celebration HERE.

Featured image: Eight couples, originally from Brazil and primarily Portuguese speakers, were recently helped by St. James Parish in Newark, NJ, to receive the Sacrament of Marriage. (Photo by Shania Mosquera / Archdiocese of Newark)