Sacrament of Marriage

Definition of Marriage
CCC 1601 "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.

COVENANT
Covenant-It is a Covenantal bond because of the exchange of persons, where each pledges to give himself or herself entirely to the other and therefore is NOT a Contract. It is a Holy Covenant. Bond is covenantal (Solemn Oath), not just contractual (private promise). Gods Covenant with His People Israel is Viewed in Terms of Marriage- I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, you became mine, says the Lord God. Ez 16:8 I will allure her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall call me my husband. I will espouse you to me forever. I will espouse you in fidelity. Hosea 2:14-25 Image- Marriage is the best Image we have been given by God to understand His unbreakable and complete love and fidelity to us.

Sacrament of Marriage BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN

The LORD God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him. So the LORD God formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each living creature was then its name. The man gave names to all the tame animals, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be a helper suited to the man. So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man, the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called woman, for out of man this one has been taken. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh. (Gen. 2:18-24) Man and woman are designed for each other and we are designed for marriage. Same Sex No Marriage No marriage is possible between two of the same sex. Any ceremony attempting to unite same sex persons is invalid.

Sacrament of Marriage BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN

Marriage is a Sign of the Mystery of Christs Union with His Bride, the Church
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So [also] husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave [his] father and [his] mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. Ephesians 5: 21-32 As Eve, bride of Adam, came from his side, so the Church, the bride of Christ, came forth from the side of Jesus on the Cross.

Sacrament of Marriage A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE WHOLE LIFE (Indissoluble and Permanent)
So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Matt. 19:6 Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. Mk 10:11 Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies she is discharged from the law concerning the husband. Rom.7:2 No Marriage in Heaven- In heaven couples are not married. Jesus said, For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. Mk 18:25 Unbreakable Bond-A Marriage bond is unbreakable, not even by sin, because it calls for a total commitment, not a temporary one. Separation- For a good reason, the Church allows the partners of a valid marriage to separate, but without the right to marry again. Divorce- Divorce is an attempt to dissolve through civil law a marriage bond that can never be broken, except by death. Sometimes a civil divorce may be necessary, to protect a spouse or the children from violence and to ensure the financial and emotional security of those involved, BUT the bond continues (and the bond she be viewed as continuing). The spouse should try to help the other spouse in any way possible to get the help that is needed. Such example includes alcoholism with physical abuse. The Church might permit a couple to obtain a civil divorce only for legal reasons, but in the eyes of God the couple is only separated. Neither may marry while the spouse is still living, unless an annulment would be granted. (Divorced persons, if remarried or living together with someone other than one owns spouse may not receive Holy Communion).

Sacrament of Marriage

What is an Annulment? A decree of Nullity or annulment is a decision by the Church authorities that an apparently valid marriage can be declared null because of a fatal flaw when the vows were taken. These flaws, unknown to one or both parties, or concealed by one or the other, make the marriage no marriage from the start. Church tribunals study each case and, where proper, declare the annulment. Does a Decree of Nullity make the Children Illegitimate? No, the children who were conceived or born before the marriage was found to be null are legitimate children of a putative marriage, that is of a marriage that was thought to exist.
Sins Against Marriage Sins against marriage are particularly serious because marriage reflects the image of God. Divorce, adultery, prostitution, polygamy, IVF, birth control, artificial insemination, sterilization, premarital relations, free union, trial marriages, pornography, masturbation, homosexual practices, incest, rape, and abortion.

Sacrament of Marriage Ordered Toward the Good of the Spouse

The man and woman help and serve each other by their marriage. They become conscience of their unity and experience more and more each day. Each assists the other on their journey toward holiness and to heaven.

Procreation and Education of Children

Many enter into marriage thinking children are optional, but those who choose not to have children violate the very meaning of marriage. The creative capacity, to cooperate with God to bring into existence a soul that is immortal and is an awesome gift. The joyous welcoming of children is a sign and the fruit of genuine self-giving. Vatican II said, by its very nature the institution of marriage and married love are ordered to the procreation and education of the offspring and it is in them that it finds its crowning glory. Parents have the privilege and responsibility to educate their children, preparing them to be both members of the human community and future citizens of heaven. In Genesis, God said, Be fruitful and multiply.

Sacrament of Marriage Children Must Learn Catholic Attitudes

Sense of the Sacred- The Mass, objects, such as a Crucifix, vestments, people such as priests and religious sisters. Sense of the Family- Each family is an image of the Holy Family and also the family of the Trinity. The Trinity is a Communion of Persons united in Love. Sense of the Good- To see and appreciate all things as gifts God as given us. Love of Truth- To understand that God himself is truth and that His Church proclaims the Truth. Sense of Service- Each family is called to serve each other and society by selflessness through the virtue of charity. Sense of Hope-- In the midst of suffering and immorality, social breakdown, we can trust God and His promises and face our future with confidence.

Sacrament of Marriage Covenant Between Baptized Persons

Only two baptized persons may enter into a sacramental marriage. By means of baptism man and woman are definitively placed within the new and eternal covenant, in the spousal covenant of Christ with the Church. Marriage between a Catholic and Non-Catholic (Mixed Marriage) Needs permission of the bishop. In this case the Catholic promises to raise, baptize and educate the children in the Catholic faith. Administration of the Sacrament & Sign of the Sacrament of Marriage The man and woman (not the priest) are the ministers of this sacrament. The sign is the vows they profess to one another to give themselves totally. A priest and at least two others witness the exchange of vows (the whole church is invested in this commitment). This sign is completed when the marriage is consummated. The sign is renewed every time the couple engages in the marital embrace. The role of the priest or deacon is to receive the consent of the spouses in the name of the Church and to give a blessing which seals their marriage with the Holy Spirit in order to assist them in living out their commitment.

Sacrament of Marriage Marriage is a Natural Union, but Jesus Elevated it to a Sacrament at the Wedding Feast of Cana Marriage is now no longer only an image and likeness of Gods love for His people, but now is also an image of Jesus spousal relationship with His bride the Church. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine. [And] Jesus said to her, Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servers, Do whatever he tells you. John 2:1-5

Sacrament of Marriage Two Fold Purpose of Marriage: Unitive (total gift of self) and Procreative
(transmission of life). The two fold purpose must never be separated.

4 Fs of a Valid Marriage
1. Free- Free consent of the spouses makes the marriage. This free consent includes both to be free to marry (neither can be already married). There must not be any force of coercion or threat. EX: Pre-marital pregnancy. Desire to escape home. Forced into it by parents. 2. Faithful- Fidelity, No one else 3. Fruitful- Open to Life We cant have the idea, we want to have 3 children and no more. Couple asks God if God wants to bring a child into the world, knowing God will not ask them to have more than they can handle. Contraception is seriously sinful. It tells God No, You cannot bring another person into the world and it does not permit the total gift of self. Natural Family Planning when used for a serious reason can help the couple to space children and is 99% effective. It helps couples to have responsible parenting and is part of Gods Plan for married couples. 4. Forever In this Life- Permanent and Unbreakable Bond, until death do they part. Catholics Must Exchange Vows Before a Priest and Two Witnesses or Obtain Permisison from the Bishop to be Married in a Non-Catholic Church. Catholics are not permitted to knowingly attend non-valid marriages.

Sacrament of Marriage Chief Duties of Married Life

-To be faithful to each other, and to provide in every way for the welfare of the children God may give them. -Comfort and support each other in the activities of daily life. -They are to be faithful to their vows and avoid the appearance of unfaithfulness to their vows. -They should bear each others faults and infirmities and not ruin their home life by dissension. -Spouses should always live together and have a real Christian family life. -Marital relations must be in accord with divine and natural law in faithfulness and chastity. -Husband is the spiritual head of the family because of his imitation of Christs love for His bride the Church, by laying down His life for Her. (Eph. 5:25) -Primary purpose of marriage is the begetting and rearing of children and to train them in the love and respect of God, so they can be with Him someday. -Best legacy they can leave their children is the love of God.

Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage Takes Sacrifice CCC 1606 Every man experiences evil around him and within himself. This experience makes itself felt in the relationships between man and woman. Their union has always been threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy, and conflicts that can escalate into hatred and separation. CCC 1608 To heal the wounds of sin, man and woman Persevere to the End. need the help of the grace that God in his infinite mercy never refuses them. [Cf. Gen 3:21] Without his help man and woman cannot achieve the union of their lives for which God created them "in the beginning." CCC 1615 It is by following Christ, renouncing themselves, and taking up their crosses that spouses will be able to "receive" the original meaning of marriage and live it with the help of Christ. [Cf. Mt No Greater Love than this 19:11] This grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of than to Lay down Ones Life for Ones Friends. Christ's cross, the source of all Christian life.

Sacrament of Marriage Why is the Family called the Domestic Church?

The Christian family is the domestic church, a unique and irreplaceable community of persons that is like the Church in miniature. All the members are called to holiness in fulfilling their duties and their relationship as a family. They are to be a sign of Gods presence in the world. The family is the first school of faith, virtue and prayer. This does not mean that family life will be without difficulties, but that Jesus will always be present to help families face any problems that may arise. The Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) provide the model family in which families can imitate. They shared many sorrows together from the cold and poor cave, to the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus for three days, and the death of Joseph. They lived a life of chaste and pure love. They prayed together, ate together, worked together, always thinking about the needs of each other before their own. The Child Jesus was perfectly obedient to His earthly parents.

Family Life

Sacrament of Marriage

Personal Prayer (at least 10 to 15 min. daily) the Reception of the Sacraments, mutual and repeated forgiveness, gratitude and respect, and the cultivation of holiness gives the family strength. The family should worship God together every Sunday Mass and Holy Day of Obligation, as well as attend daily Mass when able. The Mass is the greatest bond for the family. Monthly Confession and taking the children to confession is important, to help the family to be united in forgiveness and love. To teach the children to pray, to discipline them with love teaches them to respect and honor not only parents, but also God and neighbor. Each family member should learn to sacrifice themselves for the family. Parents have an obligation to teach the children the Catholic faith, and not leave it up to the schools or religious education programs. Parents are the primary teachers. The reading of Bible Stories, Family Prayer especially the Rosary help the family to stay close to Christ. Parents are to be good moral examples and help their children to avoid and resist sin.