Marriage is one of the Church’s seven sacraments. Christian spouses are called to an imitation of Christ, an imitation that is possible only because, in the Sacrament of Matrimony, the couple receives a participation in the love to the end by which Christ gave himself to the Church as to a Spouse (See Jn 13:1). The Holy Spirit binds the spouses together through their exchange of promises in a bond of love and fidelity unto death.
The church has taught through the ages that marriage is an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman.
-God created marriage so we can see something of how Christ loves his Church ( Eph 5:25). Marital love establishes a unique communion of persons through the relationship of mutual self-giving and receiving between husband and wife. Marriage is not a private institution. It is the foundation for family, where children learn the values and virtues that will make good Christians as well as good citizens. The importance of marriage for children and for the upbringing of the next generation is key to the importance of marriage for all of society.
The Canon law of the Church requires that the couple be present together for the exchange of their consent. (c.1104) Matrimonial consent is the act of the will by which a man and a woman mutually give and accept each other through an irrevocable covenant in order to establish marriage.(c.1057). The natural law definition of marriage is that marriage is a lifetime exclusive partnership between a man and a woman, in which the two give and receive mutual love and help, commit to an exclusive and lifetime union, and from their union bring forth and raise children. Catholics are required to be married within the church, by an authorized minister of the church and in the presence of two witnesses.
All persons intending to get married should call the parish office to schedule an appointment with our Pastor or a Deacon to further discuss their marriage plans. Appointments should be made at least one year in advance of the intended marriage date.