what is holy matrimony?
The Sacrament of Matrimony is the sacrament where a couple vows to devote themselves entirely to each other. A sacramental marriage is focused on helping each spouse reach holiness and happiness in Christ. The sacrament will prepare each spouse to be worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The sacrament comes about through a promise made by a man and a woman before God and the Church, which is accepted and confirmed by God.
what is the FORm?
Both the bride and the groom must say:
"I, (your name), take you, (your spouse's name), to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in heath. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
"I, (your name), take you, (your spouse's name), to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in heath. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
what is the MATTER?
The matter for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is mutual consent to live together as husband and wife in the marriage covenant, as well as, the consummation of the sacrament.
who is the MINISTER?
In the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, there are two ministers. The bride and the groom are the ministers of the sacrament in the presence of the Church as a witness. The man and the woman mutually administer the sacrament, while the priest or the deacon calls down God's blessing on the couple and witnesses that the marriage comes about under the right circumstances and that the promise is comprehensive.
what is the rite?
Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a man and woman are brought together in union by their love, where they vow to devote themselves entirely to each other. They promise to help each other reach holiness and happiness with Christ. Before the wedding, the couple must go through Pre-Cana. Through this marriage preparation, you learn about your future spouse, such as their look on spirituality and if they see children in their future. After this is complete and the priest accepts the marriage of the two people, the wedding planning can begin. Many details of this sacrament are left up to the couple. The only things necessary for the Sacrament to be valid are the couples vows and a witness to the promises the couple makes to each other.
who can enter into holy matrimony?
Each spouse must be baptized without any impediment to enter the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. If one spouse is not baptized, they may still be married, however it is not the sacrament of Holy Matrimony; this is called natural marriage.
but what about divorce?
Holy Matrimony is a lifelong vow that ends when one spouse passes away. There is no divorce when it comes to Holy Matrimony. Divorce is when the state/local authorities stop recognizing a marriage in civil/social circumstances. An annulment is a declaration that the marriage was never valid to begin with. Therefore, the two individuals are free to marry another person. Annulments are granted if it can be determined that one of the annulments to Holy Matrimony exists.
how many times can this sacrament be received?
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony can only be received once and to one spouse as long as that spouse is living. If one spouse dies, the other spouse may remarry.
3 necessary elements
A Sacramental marriage has three necessary elements:
1) Free consent.
2) The affirmation of a lifelong, exclusive union.
3) Openness to children.
1) Free consent.
2) The affirmation of a lifelong, exclusive union.
3) Openness to children.
what are the effects of holy matrimony?
1) The two become "one-flesh."
2) Perpetual and exclusive covenant partnership.
3) Free, total, faithful, and fruitful nuptial love.
2) Perpetual and exclusive covenant partnership.
3) Free, total, faithful, and fruitful nuptial love.
my future wedding readings
1) Genesis 2:18-24
This reading is the story of when God created woman, so that man would not be alone. I like this reading because it tells the tale of how woman was made from man's rib. Their love and companionship has existed since the beginning of time and has lasted throughout the years.
2) 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
This is one of my favorite scripture quotes about love. I have known this quote since I was a kid because there is a picture of it hanging in my house. For me, it is the inspiration and words that my parents try to imitate through their marriage and, therefore, what I aspire my future marriage to imitate. This is also the Scripture passage my parents used at their wedding. The quote mentions what love is, as well as, what it isn't.
3) 1 John 4:7-12
This reading talks about how God so loved us that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, for our salvation. It preaches a love so strong that we are willing to make sacrifices for each other to better the other person. If we love one another, then God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. I think this reading will be an example of just how strong our love should be for each other.
This reading is the story of when God created woman, so that man would not be alone. I like this reading because it tells the tale of how woman was made from man's rib. Their love and companionship has existed since the beginning of time and has lasted throughout the years.
2) 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
This is one of my favorite scripture quotes about love. I have known this quote since I was a kid because there is a picture of it hanging in my house. For me, it is the inspiration and words that my parents try to imitate through their marriage and, therefore, what I aspire my future marriage to imitate. This is also the Scripture passage my parents used at their wedding. The quote mentions what love is, as well as, what it isn't.
3) 1 John 4:7-12
This reading talks about how God so loved us that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, for our salvation. It preaches a love so strong that we are willing to make sacrifices for each other to better the other person. If we love one another, then God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. I think this reading will be an example of just how strong our love should be for each other.