Sacraments
Marriage
“… And the two of them become one body” Genesis 2:24
God’s Plan for Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Catholics believe that the sacrament of marriage (also called “Holy Matrimony”) comes as a gift from the hand of God. In a permissive culture, the Catholic vision of marriage is counter-cultural: it is rooted in Sacred Scripture and is expressed in the teachings and practices of the Church. It has these main elements:
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- Marriage unites a couple in faithful and mutual love
- Marriage opens a couple to giving life
- Marriage is a way to respond to God’s call to holiness
- Marriage calls the couple to be a sign of Christ’s love in the world
Marriage Preparation
It can seem difficult, even impossible, to bind oneself for life to another human being. This makes is all the more important to proclaim the Good News that God loves us with a definitive and irrevocable love, that married couples share in this love, that it supports and sustains them, and that by their own faithfulness they can witnesses to God’s faithful love. Spouses who with God’s grace give this witness, often in very difficult conditions, deserve the gratitude and support of the ecclesial community.
Whether you are newly engaged or are wanting a sacramental marriage in the Church it is our privilege assist you. The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is incredibly powerful and has the effect of forever joining you together in an unbreakable bond of love. Your marriage will also be a daily witness of God’s love in our Church and our world. Please click the button below for Marriage Preparation requirements within the AMS.
Those desiring to be married in the Church should contact us as no less than six months prior so we can discuss your situation personally. If you plan on being married in a civilian parish you should begin prepartion no less than ten months from the desired date.