1. Sacraments of Service Matrimony

2. A Lifelong Covenant God’s plan for Marriage – Importance of God’s covenant – Planned by God at the beginning so that man and woman would be pledged to each other, and to the procreation and education of children – Man leaves his mother and father and clings to his wife, and the two shall be one – Marriage is a sign and symbol of God’s covenant with his people Marriage and the Old Covenant – Developed slowly – Hosea – Song of Songs The Wedding at Cana – Jesus’ presence as a blessing Sermon on the mount – Exhortation on divorce

3. Witnesses to Love Modeled on Christ’s love for the Church – “24 But as the Church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,…” Equal partners – Talk things over and make mutual decisions as adults Indissoluble – As the Church and Christ can not be separated so it is with the marriage covenant

4. The Rite of Marriage Always public and always in Church – God’s love will be shared by the married couple and also the community – In the presence of a priest or deacon, two other witnesses and the community Hears consent Gives blessing The matrimonial covenant becomes a – Religious action – An act of worship Ministers of the Sacrament – The couple marry each other Essential element – Exchange of marriage vows

5. Requirements of Marriage Unity – Marriage unites the husband and wife in an unbreakable and exclusive union. Adultery and polygamy are sins against unity of marriage Indissolubility – The marriage bond cannot be dissolved. Spouses make a commitment to lifelong fidelity. Divorce and marrying another is a sin against the permanence of Marriage Openness to children – The couple must be open to children and accept them as gifts from God. Therefore, artificial contraception is a sin against this openness. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is accepted by the Church as a way to limit the size of your family. This method charts a woman’s fertile time and can be used to prevent a pregnancy. Artificial contraception includes: birth control pills, “morning after” pills, condoms, diaphragms and other barriers

6. Lifelong Journey The Grace of Matrimony – Prepares the newly married for a lifelong journey – Helps unconditional love – Strengthened for fidelity to each other Domestic Church – Foundation for the Catholic family – First teachers – Extended family helps The Gift of Children – A gift not an entitlement – Education – Care – Love

7. Preparing for a Catholic Marriage Meet with your parish priest as soon as you are engaged. Set aside at least six months for preparation of the event and to reflect on your relationship and your plans for the future. Set aside time for prayer and discernment. Attend an approved marriage preparation program. – Pre-Cana conferences Meet with a married couple Converse with other engaged couples Priest or deacon

8. Are you ready? Evaluate your friendships: – How well do I listen? Do I always argue small points? Do I allow others to have a choice in a friendship? Do I dominate relationships? – How do I handle conflict? Impulsively? – How do I feel when my plans are upset for some reason? Am I angry, resentful, or flexible? Do I look for ways to include others’ needs in “Plan B?” – Do I admit it when I’m wrong and do I offer an apology? If I’m right, do I seek to reconcile the misunderstanding? Do I bring up past mistakes?