Sacrament of Marriage

 
Marriage (also called Matrimony) is the covenant by which a man and a woman establish a partnership of the whole of life. It is ordered to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children; between baptised persons, Christ has raised this covenant to the dignity of a sacrament.

In the Latin Rite, marriage between two Catholic faithful is normally celebrated during Holy Mass, reflecting the link between the sacraments and Christ’s death and resurrection. The spouses seal their consent by uniting their self-giving to the self-offering of Christ made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice, and by receiving the Eucharist.

The Church teaches that the exchange of consent is indispensable: it is what “makes the marriage”. Consent must be freely given, without coercion or grave external fear, and no human power can replace it. The priest (or deacon) receives the consent in the name of the Church and gives the Church’s blessing, with witnesses present.

If you would like to enquire about marriage preparation and practical arrangements, please contact Fr Barry.