What is the Sacrament of Marriage?
Marriage in the Catholic Church is a holy union where a man and a woman enter into a permanent, exclusive partnership ordered toward their mutual good and the procreation and education of children. It is instituted by God and elevated by Jesus to a sacrament, meaning it imparts spiritual grace to help the couple live out their vows faithfully. The sacrament begins with the exchange of consent (vows) in the presence of witnesses and the Church's representative.
The decision to marry is a joyful moment for you, your families and the Church. We are happy to be a part of this holy moment of celebration. As one of the Seven Sacraments, Marriage is a blessing in our lives given by God and entered into with hope and prudence. The parish is anxious to help you prepare not only for the wedding day but for your lifelong marriage commitment.
Why is Marriage Important?
Marriage is vital in Catholicism because it reflects the Trinity's love (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and Christ's self-giving love for humanity. It is a vocation—a calling from God—to build a family and contribute to society. The sacrament helps spouses grow in holiness, support each other spiritually, and raise children in the faith if they are blessed with them.
The marriage of two people is a symbol of Christ’s love for His Church. Therefore, the exchange of wedding vows takes place in the context of the community. Your family and friends represent all the People of God. Together, we bless you, support you. As a Sacrament, you enter into a covenant with God and each another. From a social perspective, you enter into a contract with society creating the most basic pillar of society, the family. In both, you promise a love to last a lifetime!
What Are the Effects of Marriage?
The sacrament creates an indissoluble bond, meaning it cannot be broken by human power (though the Church may declare a marriage invalid in rare cases through annulment). It confers graces such as increased love, forgiveness, and strength to overcome difficulties. It also unites the couple more closely to Christ and the Church, and if children come, it orients the family toward God's plan.
Marriage in the Catholic Church also expresses a commitment to the faith and its practice. These months of engagement are an ideal time to reflect on your faith. This may mean a deepening of your relationship with God, or it could mean a fresh start, a renewal of commitment. We encourage you to be sure to spend time in prayer, especially at Sunday Mass, as you enter into the Sacrament of Marriage. May God bless you during these exciting days!
How Does Marriage Happen?
- Preparation: Couples typically undergo a preparation process called Pre-Cana (named after the wedding at Cana in the Bible where Jesus performed His first miracle). This includes meetings with a priest or deacon, classes on Catholic teachings about marriage, communication skills, finances, and family life. It may last several months and often involves a retreat or counseling.
- The Ceremony: The wedding usually takes place during a Nuptial Mass (a full Eucharistic celebration) or a simpler liturgy. The couple exchanges vows of consent, such as "I take you to be my wife/husband... for better or worse... until death do us part." Rings are exchanged as symbols of fidelity. The priest blesses the union and may include readings from Scripture, homily, and Eucharist. It's a public event, emphasizing the community's role.
- Ongoing Commitment: After the wedding, couples are encouraged to live out their sacrament through prayer, sacraments like Eucharist and Reconciliation, and possibly marriage enrichment programs. The Church supports them in times of difficulty.
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Marriage?
This sacrament requires special consideration and preparation. Engaged couples must contact the parish office at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date. At least one of the parties should be a registered and a participating parishioner.
Preparation includes discussion and instruction on the theology of marriage, assistance with the wedding liturgy, and discussion of an inventory, which explores each person’s understanding and expectation of various areas of married life.
To receive the sacrament validly:
- Both must be baptized Christians (ideally Catholics, though mixed marriages with non-Catholics are possible with permission).
- They must be free to marry (not previously married without an annulment, no impediments like close blood relation).
- They must consent freely, without coercion, and understand the commitment.
- In the Catholic Church, marriage is between one man and one woman.
Non-Catholics can marry a Catholic with dispensation, but the Catholic promises to raise children in the faith. Same-sex unions are not recognized as sacramental marriages in the Catholic Church.
Why Do Catholics Believe This?
Catholics base their understanding of marriage on Scripture (e.g., Genesis 2:24: "A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh") and Jesus' teachings (e.g., Matthew 19:4-6, affirming marriage's permanence). The Church sees it as part of God's plan from creation, elevated by Christ to bestow grace.
Additional Resources
- For more on the Sacrament of Matrimony, visit the Catechism of the Catholic Church online: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a7.htm
- For preparation or questions, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life
