The Sacrament of Matrimony
What is Matrimony
Marriage is a practice common to all cultures in all ages. It is a natural institution, common to all mankind. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and mutual support, or love. Each spouse in a marriage gives up some rights over his or her life in exchange for rights over the life of the other spouse.
As Fr. John Hardon explains in his Pocket Catholic Dictionary, there are four elements common to natural marriage throughout history:
- It is a union of opposite sexes.
- It is a lifelong union, ending only with the death of one spouse.
- It excludes a union with any other person so long as the marriage exists.
- Its lifelong nature and exclusiveness are guaranteed by contract.
In the Catholic Church marriage is more than a natural institution; it was elevated by Christ Himself, in His participation in the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), to be one of the seven sacraments. A marriage between two Christians, therefore, has a supernatural element as well as a natural one. The Catholic Church defines that marriage between any two baptized Christians, as long as it is entered into with the intention to contract a true marriage, is a sacrament.
How Do I Participate
Contact a Parish Priest at least six (6) months in advance of your wedding date as St. Denis is a popular chuch to get married in.
Click here to find out more about preparation for marriage (Engaged Encounter and Marriage Prep Class).
Click here to find out more about validating a marriage that took place outside of the Church (Convalidating Marriage)
Contact
Please call the Pastoral Office to make arrangements.
