Matrimony (Marriage)
C. Sacraments at the Service of Communion:
These sacraments help members serve the community.
(vi) MATRIMONY (Marriage):
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church , Second Edition (paragraph 1601).
Marriage is a sacramental relationship of the utmost importance to the community and the Church. It is a personal relationship of life giving love in which man and woman make the love of Christ present to each other and become a sign of the love of Christ to those around them. In marriage, the relationship of the couple is the sacrament that reveals the love of God for his people.
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises.
The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament
We encourage those who are yet to regularize their relationship/marriage to do so by meeting the Parish Priest or visiting the Catechist Office.
Holy Orders
“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time; thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishop), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons).”
Catechism of the Catholic Church , Second Edition (paragraph 1536).
In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises.
