Matrimony
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.”
Gen 2:24
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership for the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a Sacrament.
The sign of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the couple – the beauty of how they love one another speaks, not only to the bride and the groom (wife and husband), but to the whole world of God’s great love. This Sacrament begins on the wedding day with their consent and vows, but doesn’t end there. Married couples continue to live out their Sacrament by saying, “I do” to each other each day of their married life together until their natural death.
View this video about Marriage (Matrimony), which has been prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It gives a clear explanation of the theology and ritual of the Sacrament.
The grace of this Sacrament also brings to the couple the particular help necessary to be faithful and good parents. It helps them serve others beyond their immediate family and shows the community that a loving and lasting marriage is both desirable and helps create a lifetime of friendship and respect.
Matrimony requires a more intensive preparation program since marriage requires the understanding of what Christ is asking of each individual and of each other.
Call the Parish Office to set up an appointment with the Pastor. Arrangements and preparations must be made at least 6 months in advance of the marriage date.
