The Sacrament of Matrimony

Couples contemplating marriage should note that at least six months notice is required to allow adequate time for preparation.

This document will help you select appropriate readings for your wedding:

St-Antony-Marriage-Readings.pdf

Download PDF • 130KB

For further information, please contact the parish office.

Understanding the Sacrament of Marriage:

Marriage is one of the sacraments at the service of communion, along with Holy Orders. These sacraments are directed not only toward the sanctification of the individual but toward the service of others and the building up of the Church.

Marriage is both a natural gift and a supernatural sacrament, elevated by Christ to a sign of divine grace. It is ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children, and it leads the couple on the path of personal sanctity and, ultimately, salvation.

A true Christian marriage is:

Unitive – it brings husband and wife into a deep communion of life and love

Procreative – open to the gift of life and the raising of children

Free – entered into without coercion

Total – the complete gift of self to the other

Faithful – exclusive and lifelong

Fruitful – spiritually and, where possible, physically life-giving

Through the sacrament, spouses receive grace not only for their own holiness but to carry out this self-giving love daily, in service to each other, their children, and the wider Church and world.

Marriage is also a powerful image of Christ and His Church. St. Paul says:

“This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:32).

The love between husband and wife reflects the love Jesus has for His Bride, the Church.

At its heart, marriage is a beautiful and sacred vocation, where two individuals freely choose one another, make a lifelong covenant, and give themselves fully in love. And through that gift of self, God offers grace, healing, and the path to heaven, together.