marriage

MATRIMONY

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Marriage between a man and a woman. The Sacrament is called Matrimony. This sacrament celebrates the way a husband and a wife, through their love for one another, will be open to children and will help meet the needs of others in the community.
Marriage is as old as the human race. From the beginning young men and women have left their parents home to spend the rest of their lives together- supporting each other, caring for each other, and forming a family of their own. So Jesus didn't invent marriage. He raised up this natural union between a man and a woman. He changed it into a sign of his own loce and his own presence.
Two people a man and a woman come together to exchange vows. They promise to love and to be faithful to each other.
The man is called and empowered to be a sacrament of Jesus' presence for his wife. The woman is called and empowered to be a sacrament of Jesus' presence for her husband. These vows are made with the words "I do"

I DO!

The catholic church does not allow divorce. Although it seems unfair. It is a sacrament and once a sacrament is performed it can't be undone. The only way to separate within the church is to receive a "declaration of nullity".
A declaration of nullity may seem like a divorce, but it really isn't. When the church decides that it is over it means "In this relationship, a sacramental marriage never happened"
For sacramental marriage to take place their are certain requirements.
* both must freely choose to enter into marriage. (not through the pressure of pregnancy.
* must already have a relationship with Jesus.
* both must be open to having children.
* both must have basic emotional maturity.

The main event of a marriage is not the white dress, the tux, veils, rings, bridesmaids ,flowers etc. It is the special words said to each other. The final words "until death do us part"
Frequently, vows are said within the context of a Mass, but not necessary.

Ever noticed people who are married for a long time start to look and sound alike.? The simularities are seen in their gestures, and the way they talk. They become like one.
Marriage is a gift from GOD. Grace means GIFT. So grace is given in Matrimony.
Husband and wife are gifted with those qualities of Jesus most needed to be loving partners and wise parents. with patience, concern, wisdom, forgiveness, and generosity.

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the uion of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved the CHurch; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.