It all started when Sarah spotted Jackson serving at a Mass at Holy Rosary in 2021 (during COVID). Sarah was intrigued by this handsome young man attending a 6am Mass but quickly convinced herself he was probably a seminarian. Turns out Sarah had a good sense because Jackson had been considering becoming a priest or religious at this time and was definitely not paying attention to pretty girls in the pews. Months went by and Sarah still wondered about this mystery guy but carried on with her life, not wanting to waste emotional energy on an unavailable guy. In early 2022, in January or February, this mystery guy showed up at a Young Adult event where Sarah worked at the Cathedral. Sarah now learned this mystery guy’s name was Jackson and that he worked at the church Sarah first saw him serving at. Sarah was not very flirty, Jackson shared of when they were first meeting, so he had no idea if she was interested. At these young adult events at church, Sarah and Jackson slowly started talking and connecting about their mutual work for churches. While comparing notes about how they counted the collection money and ran young adult ministry, interest was starting to grow. Over the next few months, Sarah and Jackson saw each other here and there at young adult events in the Portland area but never quite had the chance to talk one on one. They were both interested in each other at this point and would always take notice when the other showed up to an event. Finally one beautiful Spring day, June 20th 2022, Sarah planned a young adult social at a local pub after a mass at the Cathedral. Sarah was feeling confident and decided to approach a group of young adults where Jackson was standing and greeted Jackson by name. Jackson immediately took note of the fact that Sarah remembered his name and he was impressed. After this night, Sarah and Jackson started talking and it wasn’t long before Jackson asked Sarah to get coffee. They walked and talked along the waterfront for hours. Jackson asked Sarah tons of questions about her life and Sarah was very impressed and excited. Jackson on the other hand didn't think the date went that well based and was nervous that Sarah didn't like him. Thankfully Jackson persisted and decided to ask Sarah on more dates where they went on many adventures. Sarah and Jackson's favorite dates revolved around being outdoors or doing things together at church. They knew they had found someone special when they were most at peace sitting and praying together in church. The rest they say is history. Jackson proposed on March 18th 2023, the feast of St. Joseph. Jackson chose this day honoring St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and Foster Father of Jesus so that he may aim to imitate this kind of love and service to his own future family.

"God created man in His own image and likeness: calling him to existence through love, He called him at the same time for love. God is love and in Himself He lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in His own image and continually keeping it in being, God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. ~ St. Pope John Paul II

The Church professes that Marriage, as the Sacrament of the covenant between husband and wife, is a “great mystery”, because it expresses the spousal love of Christ for his Church. Saint Paul writes: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Eph 5:25-26).” JPII