MARRIAGE
Catechism of the Catholic Church
What is the Sacrament of Marriage?
Nature of Marriage: Marriage is described as a covenant established by God, where a man and a woman form an intimate partnership of life and love. This covenant is inherently ordered towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. It is elevated to the dignity of a sacrament for baptized individuals, signifying a deeper spiritual union that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Sacramental Grace: The sacrament of Matrimony bestows grace upon the spouses, enabling them to love each other with the same love that Christ has for the Church. This grace strengthens their unity and sanctifies them on their journey towards eternal life34. The sacrament also deepens the meaning of the indissolubility of marriage, which is rooted in God's fidelity.
Indissolubility and Fidelity: The marriage bond is described as irrevocable, meaning that a valid marriage between baptized persons cannot be dissolved. This bond is a reality that arises from the free consent of the spouses and their consummation of the marriage67. The fidelity of the spouses is a reflection of God's unwavering love, and they are called to witness this fidelity in their lives.
Community and Support: The Catechism highlights the importance of the ecclesial community in supporting married couples, especially as they navigate the challenges of life together. The love shared in marriage is meant to be a testament to God's love, and couples are encouraged to grow in their communion through shared faith and participation in the Eucharist.
In summary, the Catechism presents marriage as a sacred and indissoluble union that is both a personal commitment and a reflection of divine love, supported by grace and the community of faith.
Sacramental Grace: The sacrament of Matrimony bestows grace upon the spouses, enabling them to love each other with the same love that Christ has for the Church. This grace strengthens their unity and sanctifies them on their journey towards eternal life34. The sacrament also deepens the meaning of the indissolubility of marriage, which is rooted in God's fidelity.
Indissolubility and Fidelity: The marriage bond is described as irrevocable, meaning that a valid marriage between baptized persons cannot be dissolved. This bond is a reality that arises from the free consent of the spouses and their consummation of the marriage67. The fidelity of the spouses is a reflection of God's unwavering love, and they are called to witness this fidelity in their lives.
Community and Support: The Catechism highlights the importance of the ecclesial community in supporting married couples, especially as they navigate the challenges of life together. The love shared in marriage is meant to be a testament to God's love, and couples are encouraged to grow in their communion through shared faith and participation in the Eucharist.
In summary, the Catechism presents marriage as a sacred and indissoluble union that is both a personal commitment and a reflection of divine love, supported by grace and the community of faith.
Preparation for Marriage
"Preparation for marriage within the Catholic Church is a comprehensive process that emphasizes spiritual, moral, and practical dimensions. It is designed to help engaged couples understand the sacrament of marriage and to equip them for a lifelong commitment.
Spiritual Foundation: Engaged couples are encouraged to deepen their personal relationship with Christ, which is essential for authentic love and self-giving. This involves participating in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and engaging in prayer and reflection on the Word of God. The preparation process aims to make Christ the center of their lives as a couple, fostering a strong spiritual foundation for their marriage1.
Understanding the Sacrament: The sacrament of marriage is viewed as a covenant raised to a sacrament by Christ, which sanctifies the union and contributes to the spiritual development of the Church. Couples are called to recognize their marriage as a vocation that requires ongoing commitment and growth in faith23. This understanding is crucial as it frames marriage not merely as a social contract but as a divine calling.
Ongoing Formation: Preparation is not limited to the time before the wedding; it is described as a journey of faith that continues throughout married life. Couples are encouraged to engage in catechesis that helps them understand their roles as spouses and their mission to reflect God's love34. This includes practical guidance on navigating challenges and deepening their relationship over time.
Practical Aspects: The preparation process includes discussions about the essential characteristics of marriage—indissolubility, unity, fidelity, and fecundity. Couples are also guided to understand the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Church regarding marriage, which are essential for making informed decisions56.
Community Support: Engaged couples are encouraged to participate in group meetings and individual conversations with pastoral teams. This communal aspect helps build a supportive network that fosters trust and friendship, essential for a healthy marriage57.
Final Preparation: The immediate preparation phase occurs in the months leading up to the wedding, focusing on the sacramental celebration itself. This includes ensuring that couples are spiritually and morally prepared to enter into the sacrament, often involving the sacrament of Penance to cleanse past mistakes and strengthen their commitment68.
In summary, preparation for marriage in the Catholic Church is a multifaceted process that integrates spiritual growth, understanding of the sacrament, practical guidance, and community support, all aimed at fostering a strong and lasting marital relationship.
Spiritual Foundation: Engaged couples are encouraged to deepen their personal relationship with Christ, which is essential for authentic love and self-giving. This involves participating in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and engaging in prayer and reflection on the Word of God. The preparation process aims to make Christ the center of their lives as a couple, fostering a strong spiritual foundation for their marriage1.
Understanding the Sacrament: The sacrament of marriage is viewed as a covenant raised to a sacrament by Christ, which sanctifies the union and contributes to the spiritual development of the Church. Couples are called to recognize their marriage as a vocation that requires ongoing commitment and growth in faith23. This understanding is crucial as it frames marriage not merely as a social contract but as a divine calling.
Ongoing Formation: Preparation is not limited to the time before the wedding; it is described as a journey of faith that continues throughout married life. Couples are encouraged to engage in catechesis that helps them understand their roles as spouses and their mission to reflect God's love34. This includes practical guidance on navigating challenges and deepening their relationship over time.
Practical Aspects: The preparation process includes discussions about the essential characteristics of marriage—indissolubility, unity, fidelity, and fecundity. Couples are also guided to understand the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Church regarding marriage, which are essential for making informed decisions56.
Community Support: Engaged couples are encouraged to participate in group meetings and individual conversations with pastoral teams. This communal aspect helps build a supportive network that fosters trust and friendship, essential for a healthy marriage57.
Final Preparation: The immediate preparation phase occurs in the months leading up to the wedding, focusing on the sacramental celebration itself. This includes ensuring that couples are spiritually and morally prepared to enter into the sacrament, often involving the sacrament of Penance to cleanse past mistakes and strengthen their commitment68.
In summary, preparation for marriage in the Catholic Church is a multifaceted process that integrates spiritual growth, understanding of the sacrament, practical guidance, and community support, all aimed at fostering a strong and lasting marital relationship.