SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNITY

POPE BENEDICT ON MARRIAGE  The vocation of family is to accompany each other on the path of discovery of God and the plan he has prepared for each of the members  Mary and Joseph set an example: the beauty of faith, the love of God and his law, demands of justice, how to do God’s will  How can families help each other along God’s path for each person?

The Sacrament  Matrimony: A vocation to a state of life that joins a baptized man and a baptized woman in a lifelong covenant of love for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.

Old Testament roots  Covenant intended from beginning of creation  Reflects the image and likeness of God and the Trinity  The Fall had serious consequences for marriage: polygamy and divorce  The Law was designed to bring people back toward God and the original covenant

Instituted by Jesus  Reflects Christ’s love for his Church  Jesus’ first miracle occurred during a Wedding!  Jesus reiterates the importance of marriage in Mk 10:6-9  Elevation to sacrament provides grace which helps the couple overcome sin, temptation, and human failings

The Domestic Church  The Christian home: “a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and Christian charity”  Witnessed through example  Marriage is key to this example– mutual self- sacrifice and unconditional love.

Celebrating Matrimony  Preparation is KEY! You might even want to celebrate Reconciliation beforehand to open yourself up to the full benefit of graces given  Many parishes require pre-wedding classes (Engaged Encounter, Pre-Cana classes, counseling/meetings with the Pastor, etc.)

Who?  Baptized man and baptized woman  “Free to marry”- legal age of consent, not presently married, consenting to enter this marriage  If these are not met, marriage is considered invalid  Intention: marry for life, be faithful, be open to procreation

Can Catholics and Non- Catholics marry?  Under certain circumstances  Mixed marriage: Catholic + other denomination of Christian  Disparity of cult: marrying a non-Christian  Potential for difficulties  Opportunity for conversion  Must receive express dispensation (permission from Bishop)

Matter, Form, and Minister  Matter: the couple themselves and their vows to a permanent, indissoluble union.  The priest ratifies their vows and blesses the covenant  The marriage itself is later sealed/consummated (the “wedding night”)  Minister: the couple themselves, officiated by a deacon, priest, or bishop…therefore, the minister is not THE MINISTER, but a witness

The Rite  Takes place within the context of the Mass  Latin Rite: The priest guides couple through vows, blesses them, blesses and exchanges the rings; there are some cultural traditions that are sometimes incorporated  Eastern Rite: Priest or bishop is considered minister of the sacrament; lots of symbols including crowning the bride and groom

Effects of Matrimony  Properties of Marriage: unity and indissolubility  Purposes of the marital act: unity and procreation  Joins spouses in an exclusive bond  Gives the couples grace to strengthen their indissoluble unity  Provides “new significance” to human sexuality

SINS AGAINST MARRIAGE  Adultery and polygamy: do not respect unity or exclusivity of marriage  Contraception: lacks openness to conceiving children  Divorce: violates indissolubility  Cohabitation: incompatible with demand for marriage commitment

Annulments  Seek counseling first, but:  If it becomes necessary to separate (abuse, addiction, etc.) …  Separated spouses should not date for purpose of re-marrying  An investigation may result in an annulment (nullifies the marriage)  They may then enter into marriage or the religious life