Marriage
Sacrament of Marriage: How to Celebrate Your Love and Faith in the Catholic Church
The sacrament of marriage, also known as matrimony, is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman who freely and faithfully commit themselves to each other for life and for the good of their children. It is also a sign of Christ’s love for his Church and a participation in his mission.
What is the Sacrament of Marriage?
The sacrament of marriage is a sacrament that was instituted by God in creation and elevated by Christ to a new dignity. It is based on the natural law and the divine plan for human love and family life. It reflects the union of Christ and his Church, which is his bride.
In this sacrament, a baptised man and a baptised woman exchange their consent before God and his Church. They promise to love each other freely, faithfully, fruitfully and forever. They also promise to accept children lovingly from God and to educate them in the faith.
By their consent, the spouses become ministers of the sacrament and confer it upon each other. The priest or deacon acts as a witness and blesses their union. The marriage bond is sealed by God himself and cannot be dissolved by any human power.
Why Do We Need the Sacrament of Marriage?
We need the sacrament of marriage because it is a gift from God and a vocation to holiness and service. It is a way of living out our baptismal call to follow Christ and to share in his mission.
The sacrament of marriage enriches and strengthens the spouses in their love for each other and for God. It gives them grace to live their marital vows faithfully and fruitfully. It helps them to overcome difficulties and challenges. It also enables them to witness to Christ’s presence and mercy in the world.
The sacrament of marriage also benefits the children, who are the supreme gift of marriage. It provides them with a stable and loving environment where they can grow in faith, hope and love. It also contributes to the good of society, which depends on healthy and happy families.
How Do We Prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage in Our Parish?
To prepare for the sacrament of marriage in our parish, you need to do:
Contact our parish office at least six months before our desired wedding date. We need to provide some basic information and book our wedding date and time.
Meet with our parish priest or who will guide us through the preparation process. He will explain the requirements and documents needed for our marriage, such as baptismal certificates, freedom to marry forms, prenuptial inquiry forms, etc. He will also help us plan our wedding liturgy and choose our readings, music, etc.
Prepare attend a marriage preparation course or program that will help us understand the meaning and implications of our marriage vows. We will learn about the theology, spirituality and practical aspects of Christian marriage. We will also have an opportunity to discuss important topics such as communication, finances, sexuality, parenting, etc.
Celebrate: We need to celebrate our wedding day with joy and gratitude. We need to invite our family and friends who will support us in our marriage journey. We need to participate fully in the wedding liturgy that will express our faith and love. We need to receive the Eucharist that will nourish us spiritually and unite us more closely to Christ and his Church.
If you are planning to get married in our parish, please contact our parish office as soon as possible to start your preparation process and to book your wedding date and time. You can call us on 0499 486 699 or email us at edcathpar[at]adam.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you and accompanying you in this joyful and sacred journey.