Marriage—traditional vs. sacramental

JOURNAL QUESTION: Describe a couple who you think is living out a good and holy marriage. What do they do to make it work? How do you know they have a good marriage? OR… What would a good and holy marriage look like in your opinion? Include as many details as possible.

CUSTOMS & THEIR HERITAGE The Father of the Bride “giving away” the bride Origin: The father actually owned his daughter in Greco-Roman times and literally was giving her away. The Bride wearing a white garment Origin: This symbolized that the daughter was pure and a “good gift.”

The groom “waiting” for the bride to process to him Origin: The bride would process up to the groom’s house for him to take her over the threshold. The bride wearing a veil Origin: In early times, marriages were arranged and most grooms didn’t find out their brides until the ceremony itself.

BRIEF HISTORY OF MARRIAGE: Since the time of Christ, marriages were seen as a civil ceremony During the Early Middle Ages (7th-11th centuries) the Church enforced marriage rites & laws By the 12th century, weddings took place in churches Only by the 13th century it was considered a sacrament

SYMBOLIC ACTIONS OF MATRIMONY Within the Sacrament of Matrimony, there are TWO primary symbolic actions: Exchanging of the Vows (“the Consent”) The Nuptial Blessing There is ONE major symbol in the Sacrament: RINGS In the Sacrament of Marriage, the husband and wife are the ministers, not the priest The priest or deacon is a “witness” to the sacrament taking place

3 WAYS TO DO IT… Weddings are necessarily communal events You NEED at least 2 witnesses present There are 3 Rites of the Sacrament: Matrimony during Mass Matrimony outside of Mass Matrimony b/w a Catholic and unbaptized person

COMMON ELEMENTS OF ALL 3: Liturgy of the Word The Consent (Vows) Blessing & Exchange of Rings Nuptial Blessing Final Blessing