The Sacrament of Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is an invitation from God for a
man and woman to deepen their experience of the love of God by joining in a
covenant relationship with each other. As a sacrament, this relationship must
be an “outward sign,” or give witness, to others as a faithful, life-long union
which is open to bringing life into the world. The vocation of marriage
requires that you enter into this sacrament with freedom and with full
knowledge of the challenges, responsibilities and joys of married life.
This sacrament is the beginning
of your life-long commitment and it is rooted in love of God and supported by
the community of faith. As Catholics, we do not believe in “starter marriages.” The exchange of marriage vows in the sacrament is a pledge to
love, respect and nurture each other all the days of your life together.
Reference Links :
For Your Marriage: Resources for Living Happily Ever After
Matrimony, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Part II, Section ii, chapter 3, article 7).
US Conference of Catholic Bishops FAQs on Marriage
Ten Steps to Getting Married in the Archdiocese of Chicago
Published Policies of the Archdiocese of Chicago Regarding Sacrament of Marriage
Archdiocese of Chicago Family Ministries - Marriage Preparation
Creighton University Study of the Value of Marriage Preparation in the Catholic Church
USCCB: Natural Family Planning
Couple to Couple League: Natural Family Planning