“There should be in the life of every married couple a continual building of the sacrament.”
Mother Angelica
It was God’s instrument for the begetting, the rearing, the education, and the moral training of successive generations of human beings. Marriage was a “natural,” we might say, for elevation to the holy rank of a sacrament. Besides the priesthood, there is no state in life that pleads for grace as demandingly as does marriage.
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between one man and one woman. 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 the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Like every sacrament, it gives two kinds of grace. First of all there is the increase in sanctifying grace, imparted at the very moment that the sacrament is received.
As the just-wed couple turns away from the altar, their souls are spiritually stronger, spiritually more beautiful than when they came to the altar a few moments earlier.
The bride and groom must contact the rectory upon engagement to begin wedding preparation. A minimum of six (6) months in advance of the anticipated wedding date is required. Wedding dates cannot be established until the bride and groom have personally met with the pastor.