Matrimony

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman are united in such a way that they become one flesh, each belonging to one another. Matrimony is a celebration of a lifelong commitment of faithful love. Living together in marriage is not the only way in which people love one another, but marriage is certainly the supreme example of human love. In the exchange of promises during the marriage ceremony, the couple administers the sacrament to each other. There must by an official Church witness present, either a priest or a deacon, because Matrimony is an act of public worship, a community prayer, bringing God’s blessing to the couple. Once the couple is married, their home becomes a domestic church, for the Church is whole and entire in a family built on the foundation of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

While Matrimony is part of the sacramental life that makes it possible for Christians to attain eternal salvation, the purpose of the sacrament is to help the partners in this life as they work to live in faithfulness to God. Their love for each other is a reflection of the enduring love between Christ and his Church, and it provides them with a foretaste of the divine love that awaits them in paradise.

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A wedding is an exciting time with many plans to be made.  It is important to understand the pledge you are making to one another on your wedding day.  The rite of marriage is a public act shared by family, friends and the entire worshipping community.  The heart of the sacrament of marriage is a covenant, a sacred promise made between the two of you and God.  The marriage preparation process will help you to better appreciate the sacredness of your commitment. 
 
 Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community requires a period of at least six (6) months for marriage preparation.  It is recommended that couples contact the parish at the time they decide to marry to make preliminary inquiries as to the dates, marriage preparation programs and requirements which must be fulfilled. 
 
 Refer to the "Resources" section below to access more information about the marriage preparation process.  To begin your marriage preparation at Holy Rosary, please contact us (at left).