The Sacrament of Matrimony

The Sacrament of Matrimony, like Holy Orders, is a sacrament of service. This is the only Sacrament that a couple literally gives to one another. The priest is the witness for the Sacrament of Matrimony on behalf of Christ and His Church. Matrimony mirrors the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church.

Marriage is a religious term. God has defined it as a total self-giving union between a man and a woman, just as Christ is united to His Church. Regardless of what civil or political groups may declare or attempt to "legalize" they cannot change the definition of marriage. The term isn't up for public opinion. It is also worth pointing out that the only thing that can dissolve a marriage is the death of one of the members of it. For this reason, it is said "What God has joined together, man must not separate." This flies in the face of common culture which sees a civil divorce as the married couple's version of a dating "breakup." Marriage simply wasn't designed to be disposable.

Marriage between two Catholics should be celebrated within a Mass, and the couple preparing for this Sacrament should take every opportunity to prepare themselves spiritually. To enter into a Marriage rashly or without total cooperation of both parties involved is a lie before God. As it was said before, the ministers of this Sacrament are the spouses. The Priest or Deacon who assists receives the consent of the couple and gives the blessings from the Church. The presence of the Priest or Deacon at the wedding make tangible the connection between this sacrament and the Church.

The result of the Sacrament of Matrimony is a new family, which is called to be a microcosm of the Church and a beacon to the world. Their love is not of mere passion, but is grounded and filled by a love of choice that is unconditional and totally self-giving. This is why Saint Paul encourages spouses to serve one another in their roles as husband, wife, and parents (Ephesians 5). Part of this self-giving and devotion to God includes the responsibility and openness toward bringing children into the world. Parents then have the double joy of serving each other and the children given to them by God, raising them in the Catholic Faith.

When discussing the Sacrament of Matrimony, it is also proper to consider the call of God to the single state. Many, for the sake of the kingdom of God, choose to live a life of celibacy (either in the secular life or as a religious). Saint Paul discusses the virtue of this choice in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 7). Both the Sacrament of Matrimony and the call to the celibate life are esteemed vocations and glorify the Lord (CCC 1609-1620).

To read more detailed information about the Sacrament of Matrimony, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1601-1666.