The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. (Catechism of the Catholic Church) Marriage isn’t just a union between man and wife. The devotion husband and wife have to each other, and to Christ, mirrors Christ’s love and service to the church. Through marriage, a couple promises to help build each other up in faith, serve each other and the church and be faithful to each other until death.
- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
- For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. Ephesians 5:25
- So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28
Couples planning to be married should contact a priest at least 6 months before the wedding date. This ensures time for adequate preparation.