The Sacrament of Matrimony

"As experience testifies, whole civilizations and the cohesiveness of peoples depend above all on the human quality of their families. For this reason the duty in the apostolate towards the family acquires an incomparable social value. The Church, for her part, is deeply convinced of it, knowing well that 'the path to the future passes through the family'." - Pope John Paul II,The Lay Members of Christ's Faithful, 1988

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.

A consummated sacramental marriage is permanent; only death can break it (Mark 10:1-12, Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11). This holy union is a living symbol of the unbreakable relationship between Christ and his Church (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Preparation for Marriage

Please read and respond as directed to the Epiphany Marriage Policy. At Epiphany, couples planning to marry are encouraged to make arrangements at least six months prior to the wedding date. Contact the pastor for more information and to request a date. The Diocese requires formation classes for all couple preparing for marriage.

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