THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

 

 

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring. This covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with a vision of “the wedding-feast of the Lamb”. Scripture speaks, throughout, of marriage and its “mystery,” its institution, and the meaning God has given it. Also of its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin, and its renewal “in the Lord” in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church.

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church. The grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. (cf. Council of Trent: DS 1799)

St. Mary (Lovingston) facilitates the thorough discernment and preparation a couple needs before receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony.  A meeting with Father is required before preparations, please schedule your meeting right away. Please contact the Parish Office 9 to 12 months in advance of your anticipated wedding date.

For a general overview of the steps involved for the Sacrament of Matrimony visit: The Center for Marriage & Family Life.