“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”
(Mt. 19:5)
The Sacrament of Matrimony
Christ himself elevated the natural institution of marriage to the dignity of a sacrament during his public ministry. He worked his first miracle at a wedding (John 3:1-11) and he taught that marriage in the New Covenant is permanent and holy (Matthew 19:3-9). The apostles taught on the beauty and significance of marriage throughout the New Testament (1 Peter 3:1-12). St. Paul even taught (Ephesians 5:21-33) on the mystery of the relationship between the members of the Church and Christ as analogous to the relationship between husband and wife in the Sacrament of Marriage.
Drawing upon this Scriptural foundation to the Sacrament of Matrimony, the Church speaks of a two-fold purpose of Christian Marriage: a relationship founded in faith for the good of the spouses and the procreation of and education of children. Although no marriage is perfect, the relationship between the spouses should reflect Christian love as exemplified by Christ’s love of the Church: self-sacrificing, life-giving, faithful, generous, forgiving, merciful, etc.
Looking to get married in the Church? Please contact the parish office 6-9 months prior to your ideal wedding date to initiate the process.
For a general overview of the steps involved in preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony please visit this site.