The Sacrament of Marriage
Christian marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, ordered by its nature towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and upbringing of children. A valid marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament. Through the Sacrament of Marriage, spouses receive God’s grace, which strengthens and sustains them in their shared Christian life.
What Does the Sacrament of Marriage Mean?
Marriage is more than a ceremonial celebration; it is a lifelong covenant and a Christian vocation. Through their free consent, the spouses give themselves to one another and receive one another, committing themselves to a lifelong, faithful, and exclusive marital communion.
A Lifelong Covenant
In marriage, the spouses enter into a lifelong communion of life and love, directed towards mutual love, fidelity, and the good of one another.
Unity and Fidelity
Unity and exclusive commitment are essential characteristics of marriage. The spouses give themselves to each other mutually and irrevocably.
Indissolubility
Indissolubility belongs to the very nature of marriage. The spouses enter into a bond which, according to the teaching of the Church, is lifelong because of God’s intention and the sacramental nature of marriage.
Preparation for Marriage
The period before a church wedding is intended to help the engaged couple prepare for the marital covenant, understand its Christian meaning, and complete the Church’s requirements for the celebration of their marriage.
Registration
It is advisable to inform the parish priest of the intention to marry well in advance. During a personal meeting, the proposed wedding date and the necessary preparations can be discussed and arranged.
Preparation of the Engaged Couple
As part of their preparation, the couple learns about the Christian meaning of marriage, important aspects of married life, and the responsibilities associated with the vocation to family life.
Church Requirements
Before the marriage is celebrated, the parish carries out the necessary inquiries and verifies that the requirements for a valid and lawful celebration of the marriage have been fulfilled.
Celebration of Marriage
Marriage is brought about by the free and mutually expressed consent of the parties. In the ordinary canonical form, the marriage is celebrated in the presence of two witnesses and before an authorized representative of the Church.
Who Can Enter into a Catholic Marriage?
The conditions for a Catholic marriage should always be discussed personally with the parish priest. The Code of Canon Law sets out the requirements for entering into marriage as well as the impediments that can prevent a marriage from being validly contracted or may require a dispensation.
Baptized Catholics
A marriage validly contracted between two baptized Catholics is a sacrament.
Couples of Different Christian or Religious Backgrounds
When only one of the engaged persons is Catholic, the marriage may be subject to specific provisions of canon law. A mixed marriage requires prior permission from the Church, so the circumstances should be discussed with the parish priest in advance.
Important Information
Arranging the Date in Advance
It is advisable to arrange the proposed wedding date with the parish well in advance.
Meetings and Marriage Preparation
Preparation for marriage may include several personal meetings as well as a structured marriage preparation program for the engaged couple.
Required Documents
The documents required may vary according to the couple’s personal and ecclesial circumstances. The parish will provide information about the specific documents and certificates that need to be submitted.
Wedding Date
The exact date, the church, and the arrangements for the wedding should be agreed with the parish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for marriage can raise many practical and spiritual questions. The answers below provide guidance on the main matters involved in a Catholic marriage. Questions concerning a particular personal situation should be discussed with the parish priest in advance.
It is advisable to contact the parish well in advance of the planned wedding date so that there is sufficient time for the necessary preparations, inquiries, and marriage preparation. The exact date and any local arrangements should be agreed with the parish.
Pastoral preparation before marriage forms part of the Church’s care for marriage and family life. Its specific form and duration may be determined by the relevant diocesan requirements and local pastoral practice. The engaged couple should therefore ask the parish for details of the preparation.
Not necessarily. When only one of the engaged persons is Catholic, the marriage is a mixed marriage and requires the express permission of the competent Church authority. If the other person is not baptized, a dispensation required by canon law may be necessary for a marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person. The particular circumstances should always be discussed with the parish priest.
Marriage is established by the free, mutual, and lawfully manifested consent of the parties. No human authority can replace this consent.
In the ordinary canonical form, two witnesses must be present for the celebration of a marriage. An authorized representative of the Church also takes part in the celebration.
Each such situation must be examined individually. The existence of a previous marriage, or the Church’s judgment concerning it, may affect whether a new marriage can be contracted. In such cases, the matter should be discussed with the parish priest before any wedding plans are made.
In some circumstances, yes, although the permissions or authorizations required by canon law may need to be obtained. The place of the wedding and any necessary permissions should be arranged with the parish in advance.
Such matters are best clarified before marriage. Discussions during the preparation period provide an opportunity to talk about faith, family life, the religious upbringing of children, and other important aspects of married life. In particular, when the marriage is mixed or the spouses have different religious affiliations, the couple should learn in good time about the Church’s requirements for marriage and the obligations of the Catholic party.
Let Us Prepare for Marriage Together
For preparation for marriage and to arrange the necessary Church requirements, please contact St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish. A personal meeting provides an opportunity to discuss any questions related to the marriage.