Ephesians 5:25: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Most people are called to the married life rather than to the religious life or to life as a single person. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, God gives special graces to help married couples with life’s difficulties, especially to help them raise their children as loving followers of Christ.

Marriage always involves three parties: the bride, the groom, and God. When two Christians receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, God is with them, witnessing and blessing their marriage covenant. For Catholics, God does this through the priest or deacon who presides at the wedding as the Church’s witness.

Preparation for Marriage

Marriage: The sacrament of marriage is celebrated throughout the year, and ordinarily reserved for members of the parish and their children. Arrangements must be made 6 months prior to the anticipated date. Marriage preparation courses are required. Contact the Parish Office at 361-5252.

More information about matrimony can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1601-1666).