Matrimony

"What God has joined, let no man put asunder"
--Mark 10:9

The Church's understanding of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (Marriage) comes from the teaching of Jesus Himself. When questioned by the Pharisees about the nature of marriage, Jesus referred back to "the beginning of Creation," to the experience of our First Parents, Adam & Eve (Mark 10:6). Looking back toward this time of original union, we see that in God's original plan for humanity, man and woman were to be united completely as one flesh.

Though strained by man's disobedience and our subsequent Fall, the union of one man and one woman in marriage remained as a great gift from God. So important is this gift in the eyes of our Father, that Jesus Himself raised Marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament, a means of conveying God's grace and life.

The Sacrament of Marriage is much more than an agreement or contract between two people who agree to love and care for each other. Rather, it is a covenant, rooted in Jesus Christ whereby a man and a woman give themselves totally and completely to each other. The Sacrament of Marriage causes each spouse to stand in the place of Christ for the sake of each others' well-being and eternal salvation. This sacrament calls each man and woman to see the person that God created their spouse to be and to offer everything that he or she is so that their spouse can become that person.

This mutual self-giving finds its deepest expression in the marital act, whereby man and woman join together to share their love and open themselves to God's creative power.  In this way, the Sacrament of Marriage allows a married couple to be an authentic sign of the Holy Trinity in the world. Just as the dynamic exchange of self (the love) that occurs between the Father and the Son brings forth the Holy Spirit, so to can the mutual self gift of a married man and woman (who are open to the possibility of life) bring forth another person (a child).

The Sacrament of Marriage brings with it a lifelong commitment and, therefore, should not be entered into lightly. If you believe you might be called to share in this Sacrament with another person and would like help discerning further, please contact Father Morgan at 393-3930.

If, after prayerful discernment, you wish to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, please contact the Parish Office at 315-393-3930 at least six months in advance. The Church asks that all who come forward to receive this Sacrament receive proper formation to live out what they will receive.

How to Save Your Marriage Before Meeting Your Spouse
Can you divorce-proof a marriage before it begins?In this top-notch presentation, Jason Evert shows us how to build the foundation for lasting love, and reveals how marriage preparation starts before "engagement". Jason Evert has spoken about chastity to more than one million people around the world and is the author of more than a dozen book, including "How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul" and "Purity 365".  To listen to a preview click the cover image at the left.