Matrimony
A Covenant of Love and Life
Getting Married
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. In this sacrament, their human love is caught up in God's divine love, becoming a visible sign of Christ’s unbreakable bond with His Church. God provides the couple with the special grace to strengthen their unity, perfect their love, and grow in holiness together as they build a family.
Scriptural Foundation: Jesus affirmed the sanctity and permanence of marriage, teaching, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:6)
The Church Teaches: "The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1661)
Getting Married
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. In this sacrament, their human love is caught up in God's divine love, becoming a visible sign of Christ’s unbreakable bond with His Church. God provides the couple with the special grace to strengthen their unity, perfect their love, and grow in holiness together as they build a family.
Scriptural Foundation: Jesus affirmed the sanctity and permanence of marriage, teaching, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:6)
The Church Teaches: "The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1661)
Planning Your Wedding at St. Ambrose Barlow
Congratulations on your engagement! We are honored to be a part of this sacred time in your lives. To ensure a beautiful and prayerful preparation for your marriage, please follow these steps:
1) Initial Contact: Couples must contact the parish office at least six to nine months prior to their desired wedding date. This is a diocesan requirement that allows for proper discernment and preparation. No date can be finalized until you have met with a priest or deacon.
2) Meet with a Priest or Deacon: Your first step will be an initial meeting to get to know you, discuss the sanctity of marriage, and complete the necessary paperwork.
3) Marriage Preparation: You will be required to participate in a formal marriage preparation program (such as Pre-Cana or a parish-based course). This is a wonderful opportunity to grow together as you prepare for your lifelong commitment.
4) Plan the Liturgy: As your wedding day approaches, you will meet with the priest and our parish staff to plan the beautiful details of your wedding liturgy.
Ask Us About It
For inquiries about the Sacrament of Martimony at Saint Ambrose Barlow, please use this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Marriage is a lifelong, sacred covenant and a sacrament. The preparation period is a gift of time for the couple to prayerfully discern and prepare for this serious and joyful vocation. It ensures they understand the promises they are about to make and are ready for the challenges and graces of married life (CCC, 1632).
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A Catholic wedding is a sacrament and a public act of worship, so it normally takes place in the sacred space of the parish church. The church building itself is a sign of the community that will support the couple and the place where they will be spiritually nourished by the Eucharist throughout their married life. Exceptions are very rare and require the bishop's permission.
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An annulment is not a "Catholic divorce." It is a declaration by the Church that a valid sacramental marriage never existed from the beginning due to an impediment or a defect of consent (e.g., a lack of freedom, an inability to assume the essential obligations of marriage). It does not deny that a civil union existed or claim that children from that union are illegitimate (CCC, 1629).
Your wedding day is the beautiful beginning of a lifelong adventure together. In the Sacrament of Matrimony, you do not walk alone. Christ walks with you, offering the grace you need to build a home filled with faith, a love that is faithful and fruitful, and a bond that serves as a luminous sign of His presence in the world.
Your wedding day is the beautiful beginning of a lifelong adventure together. In the Sacrament of Matrimony, you do not walk alone. Christ walks with you, offering the grace you need to build a home filled with faith, a love that is faithful and fruitful, and a bond that serves as a luminous sign of His presence in the world.