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. (CCC, no. 1601, citing CIC, can. 1055, and Cod of canons of the Eastern Churches [CCEO], can. 776).

By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." Through the liturgical celebration of marriage, husband and wife enter into a covenant which is also a Sacrament.

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 a Eucharistic Liturgy. - United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 281.

Marriage Preparation

First, congratulations on your engagement! The Sacrament of Matrimony is a wonderful gift and vocation to holiness. This is an exciting time, and we want to extend our best wishes to you. We are happy to help you get your marriage off to a great start. 

Marriage is a sacrament, and that means it is a precious gift from God that will help you grow in love and holiness. If one or both of you is Catholic, there are some things you need to know and do before the wedding.

1. At least six months in advance, call the rectory and set an appointment to talk with the pastor or deacon. Set up marriage prep sessions, usually one a month.

2. Check the church calendar with the parish secretary, to find an open date. She will write it on the calendar, and this will secure the church for the wedding practice and the wedding.

3. Only after securing the date on the church calendar should you book a venue to host your wedding reception.

Finally, click here to learn more about beginning the process of preparing for marriage.
 

Marriage Enrichment

There are several programs that can help strengthen your marriage.

• Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a program to help make good marriages even better. To learn more, please click here.

• Retrouvaille (re-trov-eye) is a program to help troubled marriages. The Retrouvaille program is for couples with marital problems that want marriage help. Those who are considering marriage separation and those who are already separated or divorced are encouraged to consider the Retrouvaille Program. There is always hope of reviving your relationship. To learn more, please click here.

• Marriage: Unique for a Reason offers resources to assist with the education and catechesis of Catholics on why marriage is unique and why it should be promoted and protected as the union of one man and one woman. For more information, click here.

• Parenting: Families of Character is committed to providing families the best tools to make home the most loving and unified place for children to grow. The goal is for them to understand that even if their family life feels off course or divided, change is always possible. For more information, click here.

• Compass Catholic Ministry's mission is to teach an authentically Catholic approach to personal finances, allowing individuals to be fully engaged in their faith journey, become free from financial obligations so they may fulfill the unique purpose God has for them. The Compass Catholic mission is to reach 40 million Catholics around the world by 2030 by focusing on material in six languages, which cover 70% of the world’s Catholic population (English; Spanish; French; German; Portuguese and Polish). For more information, click here.