1. A lifelong covenant modeled on that between Christ and the Church, in which a baptized man and baptized woman make an exclusive and permanent commitment to faithfully love each other and to cooperate in the procreation and education of children. The Sacrament of Matrimony

2. Matrimony Marriage is not easy, it takes work. Mutual respect and mutual love. Partners must be equal.

3. 2 Great Goods: The good of the man and the woman pledged to each other Procreation and education of children (in the Catholic faith)

4. Why can’t marriage be dissolved? “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Matthew 19:6)

5. Scriptural References to Weddings The Wedding at Cana Jesus’ presence at the marriage at Cana is a sign of his blessing upon the state of marriage itself. Jesus stated love for children and that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them (Matthew 19:13-15)

6. Public Vocation Marriage is a public vocation Sacrament of Matrimony is never private but always in a Church Includes: Liturgical celebration 2 witnesses (usually Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor) Before a priest Before the Assembly The ministers of marriage are the bride and groom not the priest!

7. Requirements of Marriage Unity- marriage unites the husband and wife in an unbreakable and exclusive union. Adultery and polygamy are sins against the unity of Marriage Indissolubility- Marriage bond can never be dissolved. Openness to children- husbands and wives must be open to children and accept them as gifts from God. Artificial contraception is a sin against the openness to new life. WHY?

8. It is intrinsically evil because it makes procreation impossible.

9. Free consent Both the bride and groom must have free consent in marriage If free consent is lacking by either person, there is no Marriage bond Free consent: Not being under constraint (coercion or pressure, even if subtle) Not being barred from marriage by any natural or Church law

10. Constraint An obstacle that prevents free and full consent to a marriage. Examples: Pregnancy Mental illness Secret addiction

11. Why does the Church require a period of preparation before marriage?

12. To make sure the couple is ready and has free consent to marry.

13. Annulment When a marriage has been entered into under constraint, or for other reasons, the Marriage bond can be declared null and void by the Church. This declaration of nullity means that a true Marriage bond, as a Sacrament, never existed in the eyes of the Church. This is not the same as a civil divorce.

14. Domestic Church The Sacrament of Matrimony is the foundation for the Christian family, which is where children first learn the love of God through the love of their parents. “Church at home”

15. Are You Ready for Marriage? Ask yourself these questions: 1. How well do I listen? Am I always looking to argue small points? Do I allow others to have their own choices and ideas in friendship, or do I dominate the relationship? 2. How do I handle conflict? Do I fly off the handle, or do I find an appropriate time and place to discuss the issue with the other person? 3. How do I feel when my plans are upset for some reason? Am I angry? Resentful? Or can I be flexible and look for ways to include the needs of others in a “plan B”? 4. Do I apologize when I am in the wrong? Even when I am in the right, do I seek to repair a misunderstanding? Do I constantly bring up past mistakes?