Matrimony

“In his preaching, Jesus unequivocally taught the original meaning of the union of man and woman as the Creator willed it from the beginning: permission given by Moses to divorce one’s wife was a concession to the hardness of hearts. The matrimonial union of man and woman is indissoluble: God himself has determined it: “what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” (CCC 1614)

When two people come forward to be married by a Catholic priest, they do so in the Parish Church of either the husband or wife. In this way, there is continuity in their sacramental life as well as the witness of belonging to a particular Catholic community that has assisted them in their spiritual growth throughout the years. If this is not the case what is happening is the priest and the parish church are being “used’ to provide the couple with an ambiance – nothing more. Couples who have not been attending Mass, not been involved in the parish should realize they are reducing the priest to a functionary. If a couple decide to make the occasion of the preparation and celebration of their marriage as an honest effort to return to the living of their Catholic faith within the parish community of faith they are more than welcome to celebrate their marriage at St. Gabriel’s. If this is not the case then, in all honesty, they should consider a civil marriage. For practicing Catholics the Church is the most appropriate place for the Sacrament because two people are calling upon God to be their witness and to join them together at the foot of His altar. It is suitable to go to God’s house for his blessing before they go off to their own. Marriage is a public and a sacred act that the other members of the parish are free to attend.

A time of preparation and study is required before receiving this most important Sacrament. During the time of preparation, it is determined if the couple is sufficiently mature to undertake such a commitment; if they are free from any impediment; if there be mutual consent between partners and that they are open to having children.

Holy Matrimony is a blessed state of life where the union of spouses occasions their holiness and in which couples co-operate in the procreation of children. These children are a blessing for parents who will teach them the way of love of God by their example of living in harmony with Him and with one another.

If a couple is entering into an inter-faith marriage and the non – Catholic person is an active member of his/her own church it is the custom here at St. Gabriel’s to invite the pastor of such a person to participate in the celebration of the marriage.

Unfortunately we know that divorce is a fact of life for many families. Divorced people who have not entered into a second marriage are not cut off from the Sacraments, especially Holy Communion. If a person who is divorced and married a second time wishes to straighten things out with the church they just have to call the parish office and ask the advice of the pastor.

Parishioners planning on getting married should contact the parish office in plenty of time so as to arrange the time for marriage preparation.